Camp Viva - part one

We're dropping Bootie off at Camp Viva this morning in Rhinebeck. She's volunteering her nursing services there this week. Suzanne, my sister is already there. She's volunteered there for over 10 years conducting art classes, but this year I think she's a supervisor. I'm not sure what her role is this year, but she is very active in the progam. We are all going to spent the day there. They are holding a carnival for the children. I lent my mother a sleeping bag, but I think she'll also need to get a rain coat....being that she lives most of the year in the desert, I don't think she has one handy....I'll submit a posting later today with updates - hopefully with photos...

Here's info on Camp Viva....

Camp Viva is a unique year-round program for children and families in Westchester County infected or affected by HIV/AIDS. (If one member of the family is infected with AIDS or HIV, then the entire family is eligible to attend camp.) Founded in 1995, Camp Viva’s mission is to serve at-risk children, families and care-partners in the Westchester County area who are living with or affected by HIV and AIDS. Through its summer sleep away experience and its year-round follow-up program, Camp Viva provides respite, medical supervision, recreation and education to prevent the further spread of AIDS. Respite care helps reduce stress and provides a strong emotional base for working through HIV-related issues.

The summer retreat makes this possible for families who would not otherwise have a chance to escape the daily burdens of their illness; while the year-round follow up program helps families get the support and educational information they need to live more healthfully and to become strong community advocates for good preventive behavior.Our campers tell us that one of the most lasting benefits of Camp Viva is the feeling they receive throughout the year of “belonging” to a family and community of people who care. As one of our young campers recently put it: “Living with HIV or AIDS gives you a feeling of not-belonging, of being separate and no longer part of the world. At Camp Viva, you belong. You are touched, kissed and loved.”

Camp Viva’s week-long sleep away camp is in a rural setting and includes arts and crafts, drama, music, movement, swimming, boating, educational seminars, on-site medical support, mental health counseling, nondenominational pastoral care services, resource materials and referrals, and more. In addition we offer coordination with case managers as needed. Viva’s comprehensive follow-up program continues throughout the year, with regular reunions and informal gatherings as well as a monthly newsletter.