2008 Camp Dates: August 23-August 27 Volunteers arrive August 22
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.
Who is eligible?
Campers must be residents of Westchester and be infected with AIDS or HIV or affected due to an infected family member. (If one family member is infected and attends camp, then the whole family may attend.) Children must be bathroom trained and must attend with a parent or guardian; the youngest attending children are usually ages 4 or 5. Last summer, 110 campers attended Camp Viva; 65 were children and 45 were adults. The youngest Viva camper was 3 years old, and the oldest was 75 years old. Campers are asked to make a small financial contribution to attend camp, but no camper is turned away for financial limitations.
Location
The camp is at Ramapo Anchorage Camp in Rhinebeck, NY. Year-round reunions are in various lower Westchester locations.
Contact
Robert Cestone, Director (914) 872-5285
Camper Hotline (914) 872-5269
Volunteer Hotline (914) 872-5262
Useful links
hivcs.orgHIV Care Services
aidsmeds.com Aids medication information
|
