Camp Rhythm: summer camp for children with heart conditions
Cardiologists and nurses are on hand at the camp to take care of children who might need medical attention.

Camp Rhythm in Eureka Missouri.

One of the more rewarding experiences in my life was the visit our New Outlook Executive Board made this past summer to Camp Rhythm in Eureka, Missouri.

Camp Rhythm exists because an extraordinary Pediatric Nurse was touched by the story of a little boy who was unable to attend camp because he had heart disease.  This Nurse was instrumental in the creation of this camp which provides a safe camping environment for children living with heart disease.

The day of our visit we met the Doctors, Nurses, Counselors and Volunteers who donate their time to help these children enjoy a safe and rewarding camping experience.  These children participate in a multitude of outdoor sports activities and also indoor activities such as music and crafts.  It was unbelievably touching to see how dedicated everyone is to the children at this camp and this is supported by the fact that many of the volunteers return annually.

We met children that day who themselves were once campers and now have returned to become volunteers.  We also met a child that had already had several heart operations by the age of 6 but did not let it affect her happy attitude.

It obviously requires a lot of volunteers and monetary donations to be able to support this specialized of a Camp and I feel extremely proud that our Group has chosen it as a place to which we make a monetary donation.

The Southwest Chapter Pioneer Council of St. Louis, MO has been supporting Camp Rhythm for many years. The pioneers volunteer their time and resources at the camp each year and sponsor children to go to camp.

Submitted by Judy Herbst for Pat Hawkins

You can find out more about the New Outlook Pioneers at this link http://www.newoutlookpioneers.net and you can read more about Camp Rhythm at this link https://www.stltoday.com/lifestyles/health-med-fit/health/learning-life-lessons-at-camp-rhythm-a-summer-camp-for/article_e6ff18fd-2676-5e4c-b56c-882c53eeb3af.html