Mr. Madden’s Dream

In 1961 Edward and Leone Madden welcomed the first group of campers to their farm in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. Having survived open heart surgery himself, Edward dreamed of a place where children who underwent similar procedures could heal, play, and find connection. The Open Heart’s Club was born.

For the past 62 years, children who have survived open heart surgery have come to Edward and Leone’s farm, their admission ticket being the scars on their body. For many children, the camp is the first place they have felt like an insider, where their experiences are common, and they can truly be themselves. 

While the camp property has changed a bit, the dream of Edward and Leone remains the same. Campers enjoy swimming, arts and crafts, movie nights, campfires and so much more. The camp is their place to thrive, scars and all.