STAFF

    The Open Hearts Camp’s very favorable staff-to-camper ratio reflects our utmost concern for safety. In the unique, tight-knit environment of the Open Hearts Camp, it is essential to staff our program with exceptional individuals. The delivery of the multi-dimensional program, as well as the establishment of a safe, comforting, and supportive atmosphere hinges on the efforts of a well-trained summer counselor staff who are college-age or older. These mature and devoted staff members are selected by our year-round executive director with 16 years of experience at M.O.H.C.

    A full-time Registered Nurse is on-site at all times, dispenses all medications, and is available to provide any necessary medical care for campers 24 hours a day. In recent years, we have been fortunate to recruit talented Nurses from hospitals and schools in our region and beyond, all of whom are well versed in pediatric care. Our Nurse’s take great care to thoroughly review each camper’s medical file in preparation for each session, allowing for a very clear understanding of current medical history and needs.

    Camp is a place with an overwhelming sense of community. Having the opportunity to individually connect with so many amazing kids provided a very deep experience. Hearing the campers experiences of multiple surgeries or long stays in hospitals gives one the whole story of why this camp is so unique. The campers are able to bond around a single commonality that usually sets them apart in their everyday lives. I learned a lot about how important it is to provide a supportive, encouraging environment. I really enjoyed helping the campers reach certain goals or succeed at certain activities they thought they wouldn’t be able to do. Overall, camp was tons of fun and an incredible chance to have an impact on the lives of campers whose bravery and love of life are a continued inspiration. My two summers at camp were an essential period of personal growth and a reminder of what is important in life.
    -James Yon, Counselor, Lifeguard

    Edward J. Madden Open Hearts Camp consists of a small, closely knit community of people working together in order to ensure a safe, and enjoyable camp experience for everyone. Because of the small size of the camp, relationships are formed between both kids and counselors that one would not find at any other camp. It is this inter-relatedness that creates a wonderful and unforgettable summer one will never forget. I know I never will.
    -Andrew Wedge, Counselor, Lifeguard

    The family and community that staff and campers created each session was progressive, fun, rewarding, and simply beautiful. The activities and mindset of daily life at camp kept us all healthy mentally, physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. I was consistently inspired, observing the growth of a camper from a staff member, the growth of staff members from campers, and, most inspiring, the growth of campers from their fellow campers. Everyone present at camp benefited from everyone else. The sense of community was so comfortable that I found myself wishing it would never end.
    Jacqueline Reasor, Counselor

    I’ve been coming here for the past three years as a Counsleor and a Lifeguard. It’s great for me personally that I get to experience this atmosphere, and see the same kids each year. It’s a very spiritual awakening for me. This camp has definitely changed my life for the better.

    Giacomo Arata, Counselor, Lifeguard

    This camp is inspirational for the kids and for me as well. The kids are amazing they light up my day every day.

    Gabrielle Dabdoub, Counselor

    I see these kids at their worst on the floor, I see then when they’re angry, when they’re sad and to see them here, I see the true child. And that’s what makes this place such an amazing place, this is what makes me a better nurse. This is what makes me want to go back to my job at the end of the summer and see the rewards of what I do.

    Denise Carpenter, Registered Nurse.