Year Round Programming
Volunteer Opportunities
Campers
Camp Staff
Mission
To empower children and families impacted by HIV/Aids.
Organizational Purpose & History
Camp Sunrise is a charitable, nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering children and families impacted by HIV/AIDS. Founded in 1994, Camp Sunrise pitched its first tent in August 1995 and is Ohio's first and only summer camp program that caters specifically to the needs of children affected by HIV infection and AIDS. This unique program, developed using California's Camp Sunburst National AIDS Model, provides a therapeutic community where campers have the opportunity to experience relief from the overwhelming emotions associated with the disease. They can master new skills and develop new friendships through play, conversation, art, drama, games, and traditional camp activities.
Our funding is provided through grants and private and corporate donations. Camp Sunrise is a proud member of Community Shares of Mid-Ohio and AIDSWalk-Central Ohio.
Camp Sunrise works closely with the YMCA to provide an outstanding camping experience. This year's summer camp will be held at Camp Kern located in Oregonia, Ohio (between Dayton and Cincinnati).Need for Camp Sunrise
A major task for children living with HIV infection or AIDS is keeping their condition, or a family members' condition, a secret; a difficult necessity in a society still struggling with fear of the disease. The need for community support and services for children and families impacted by this socially devastating disease is growing. The effects of this disease are experienced across all ethnic and socioeconomic boundaries. Many HIV-infected adults have children who need to build adequate coping skills and support systems to handle the emotional and social stresses, loss, and isolation caused by the disease. For an HIV-infected child, physical limitations and stringent medication regimens are part of everyday life. Understanding they are not alone when confronting these issues is essential for these children.
Research evaluating Camp Sunrise demonstrates that our program can effectively develop a therapeutic community, promoting cooperation, compassion and acceptance for these children while they are at camp. The children have many opportunities to understand that they are not alone and that fellow campers and staff can relate with their difficult challenges.
Camp Sunrise Board of Directors – 2009
President: Tom Tootle
Vice-President: Cheryl Foley
Treasurer: Mary Kanet
Secretary: Chad Vogt
Past President: Wendy Licis
Trustee: Victoria McGrath
Trustee: John B. Mullins
Trustee: Brian Reynolds
