National Camp Exchange, Program for Hemophilia Camp Leaders, Now Taking Applications

The Arizona Hemophilia Association (AHA) is inviting camp professionals in the bleeding disorders and hemophilia communities to participate in the National Camp Exchange (NCE) program. Applications are open until May 30 for 2018 summer programs.

NCE is set up to give those who plan, organize, and operate summer and nature camps for people with bleeding disorders a space to share their experiences, ideas, and thoughts on how to improve programs nationally.

The exchange provides participants with first-hand experience of different programs so they can apply the knowledge and skills in existing, home-based camps. It also allows camp professionals and members of the bleeding disorders community to attend different camps in the United States and meet new people while developing leadership skills.

Octapharma USA will serve as executive sponsor for a second consecutive year, providing grant funds to camp professionals participating in the NCE. The Wingmen Foundation is a nonprofit partner of the program and provides services to facilitate camp exchanges.

“The National Camp Exchange program did an incredible job accomplishing its goals in its first year,” Dawn Rotellini, senior vice president of program development at the National Hemophilia Foundation, said in a press release. “We have been extremely impressed with the organization and implementation of the exchange and the number of camp programs impacted.”

The National Camp Exchange is an adjunct program of the North American Camping Conference of Hemophilia Organizations (NACCHO), which is managed by AHA.

Managing summer camps for children with bleeding disorders presents significant challenges, including finding volunteers with camp experience and the right training. Camp programs do not have the ability to train volunteers year-round and many cannot pay for professionally trained staff, but recognize training and experience are vital to campers’ success and safety.

“NACCHO opened the door to reaching thousands more children and families in the bleeding disorder community by enabling new camp programs to begin and helping established programs grow and become better managed,” said Cindy Komar, chief executive officer of AHA.

Camp professionals interested in the NCE program can apply until May 30. More information about the exchange can be requested at (888)-754-7017 or by writing to [email protected].