TM Kid’s Summer Camp

The Transverse Myelitis Association is partnering with the Victory Junction Gang Camp (VJGC) in Randleman, North Carolina, to hold a bi-annual summer camp for kids ages seven to fifteen and their families.  The camp occasionally accepts those outside of this range, however, the activities and facilities are geared toward those ages.  Exceptions are made on a case-by-case basis so do not let the camper’s age deter you from submitting an application.  Space is limited and applications will be taken on a first-come, first-serve basis with consideration for those children between the ages of seven to fifteen.  If your child will be younger than seven in August 2007 and you would like to attend, please still let us know of your intention and please still submit an application.  We also want to reiterate that VJGC will be holding this camp for our community every other year.  If you are unable to attend in 2007, there will be future opportunities to participate.  This is not a once in a lifetime offer.

The number of families we can serve on-site is limited to 32 families of up to eight immediate members per family.  Additional accommodations will be provided off-site for later applicants and/or families who do not require on-site accommodations.  Victory Junction Gang Camp is very extraordinary in its eagerness to serve our pediatric TM, ADEM, NMO, ON community, including families, regardless of geographic location or extent of disability.  The camp is totally accessible, including the activities – fishing, tower climbing, horseback riding, mini-golf, swimming, arts and crafts, and much, much more, all in facilities and a setting that is truly phenomenal.  Full accommodations for ventilator dependent kids are on site as are fully staffed medical facilities.

We have invited all of the members of The Transverse Myelitis Association Medical Advisory Board and their families.  Dr. Douglas Kerr, has commited to being there with his family, and we know that other members of our Medical Advisory Board will be attending with their families, as well.  The physicians will be making some presentations to parents on the latest research on the neuroimmunologic disorders and symptom management strategies, and they will be available during the week to respond to your questions.  The focus of the camp experience, however, will be on a fun-filled week for the entire family.

There is no cost to attend the camp.  VJGC is providing the meals, lodging, and all of the fun activities to the families in our community for free.  You will, however, need to get yourselves there.  The Piedmont Triad Airport in Greensboro, North Carolina is approximately 20 miles away and airport pick-ups can be arranged.

If you are interested in attending, we need to know.  We are aware that confirming a date well over a year in advance may not be possible, but please let us know of your intentions.  If you would come but simply cannot due to travel expenses, let us know that, too.  We can’t promise to arrange your travel, but we will do what we can to make it happen.

To reserve your place, to learn how to apply, or if you have any questions, please contact Stephen Miller at smiller[AT SIGN]myelitis[DOT]org or .  Please check out the Victory Junction website: www.victoryjunction.org to learn more about the camp.  This is a special arrangement for our community, so please don’t contact the camp directly.  We will let you know when it is time to fill out and submit your application.  In the meantime, please call or write me and get on our waiting list. 

We encourage you to continue to watch for more information on the TMA website.

http://www.myelitis.org/kidscamp

We will be posting news and updates as details are available.