Camp Rhythm Overnight for Youth With Heart Defects in Eureka, Mo.

An overnight camping experience for area youth ages 8 to 17 with congenital or acquired heart defects

Join St. Louis Children’s Hospital for Camp Rhythm from July 29 to Aug. 2.

Camp Rhythm is a safe environment where campers with congenital or acquired heart defects can make new friends and memories.

The camp aims to help campers ages 8 to 17:

• Know they are not alone in living with heart disease
• Create an environment where it is “normal” to be sick, tired, have scars and take medication
• Feel accepted and build confidence

Campers will have a chance to bond with others while participating in a wide range of activities including:

• Fishing
• Swimming
• Sports and games
• Arts and crafts
• Archery
• Campfire cookouts and more

The medical staff includes a minimum of a nurse and a pediatric cardiologist who are available at all times. Camp staff also includes a certified child life specialist, pediatric social worker, cardiac nurses and St. Louis Children’s Hospital volunteers.

All volunteers are 18 years old or older and go through training and screenings at St. Louis Children’s Hospital before camp. Camp counselors are adults familiar with heart defects, including some former pediatric cardiac patients.

Watch the Camp Rhythm video to learn more.

You can apply for Camp Rhythm starting on April 1.

For questions, please reach out to camprhythm@bjc.org or call (314) 454-6095.

Camp Rhythm’s mini-day camp for younger children ages 5 to 7 born with a heart defect will run from July 30 to Aug. 1.