Parents say

The Madden Open Hearts Camp provided him with a marvelous opportunity for friendships, development of his independence and self-esteem. He had a fantastic time last year; I knew that he was with qualified, caring staff. Bernadette Toronto, Canada, Son, 11

Our son had such a wonderful time at the camp it was a great experience for him. He came away from the camp with a greater sense of independence. Gail & Ed Centreville, VA Son, 11

I sent my daughter to camp because I wanted her to find comfort in knowing that she is not alone with her CHD. This was her first time going to camp, and her first time going away without family. I want everyone to know that this first camp experience is one that she will never…

As a parent, I appreciated many things about the Madden Open Hearts Camp … The camp teaches independence. This may be very important with this group of kids because there probably is a tendency to “coddle” them…my son does not know a single kid with a cardiac condition the camp normalizes things. He came to…

My son went to Madden Open Hearts Camp for the first time when he was 7 years old. I was hesitant to send him at such a young age, but he assured me he wanted to go. When we drove up for the first time, we could just feel the excitement and the caring pouring…

My son absolutely loved camp and he talks of it often. To me it was the most valuable experience he has ever had… he came home a very grown-up boy. Thank you! Katherine Herndon, VA Son, 11

Camp was a wonderful growing experience for my daughter. It really boosted her self-esteem. Rebecca Coventry, RI Daughter, 12

So much of my son’s life is spent at school where he does not feel successful and historically has had a hard time making and maintaining friendships. He has been away to camp for the past four years. Each and every year we see incredible growth upon his return home … he has come home…

I love what you did [at camp]… my son came home more mature and confident than when he left home. Pam, Milton, Vt. Son, 11

Camp has done so much for my daughter. She was able to socialize with kids who understood her emotions of being “different”. She had a sense of belonging at heart camp. Up until the time she went to camp, she hadn’t met kids that got tired easily like herself. The counselors worked rest times into…