WEATHERTECH CHAMPIONSHIP CHARITIES CAMP BOGGY CREEK

 

For more than two decades, Camp Boggy Creek has made a lasting impact on the lives of children with life-threatening and chronic illnesses by giving them the opportunity to celebrate simply being a child – to feel normal. Our exceptional program staff, working with a team of dedicated and experienced volunteer doctors and nurses together with enthusiastic counselors, ensure all campers and family members are provided a safe, fun, and life-changing experience. The result? Since opening in 1996, more than 75,000 children and family members have discovered hope and joy in a medically-sound camp environment.

Co-founded by actor/philanthropist and racing enthusiast Paul Newman and the great General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, the Camp offers summer sessions from June through August and family retreats between September and April. Camp Boggy Creek is the only free, year-round, therapeutic medical camp for children diagnosed in one of 15 different life-threatening and chronic illness groups including cancer, epilepsy, heart disease, sickle cell, spina bifida and others. All activities are universally accessible to campers and include swimming, horseback riding, archery, boating & fishing, ropes course, zip line and many, many more!

Because of our generous supporters, Camp Boggy Creek’s year-round programs have always been free of charge. Donations support all program activities, including 24/7 medical care, meals and lodging -- everything needed to make a week of camp an unforgettable experience for children with serious illnesses. Gifts made to Camp Boggy Creek are not only an investment in the life of a child diagnosed with a life-threatening or chronic illness, it is a gift that gives back a childhood that has been taken away.

A proven program, Camp Boggy Creek has participated in a multi-year study with the Yale Child Study Center to measure the impact of attending a therapeutic, residential camp. The Outcomes Evaluation Reports not only affirm the importance of social support and friendships, but also endorses the social connections formed at Camp Boggy Creek, which emerged as an important part of the camp experience. By engaging with others who face the same challenges, campers and family members attain a positive, sustainable outlook as well as a sense of strength, courage, and confidence that lasts well beyond their stay at camp.

Camp Boggy Creek’s programs provide carefully designed opportunities for campers to meet all challenges with success in a safe, fun and supportive environment. When a camper feels empowered, safe and is enjoying themselves, they are more eager and open to participate and try something new. This in turn leads to benefits of the program that include enhanced self-esteem, confidence, self-image, tolerance, respect, independence, understanding and socialization. Camp Boggy Creek’s programs play a significant role for campers to realize their hopes and dreams and to have normalcy in their lives.

We are honored to be a Charity Partner with our dedicated and passionate friends at IMSA and look forward to sharing the impact that the IMSA family has made on children diagnosed with life-threatening and chronic illnesses and their families. The generosity that comes from the racing community is truly unequaled and ensures that every child will discover the Joy of Yes and a place where they belong.