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This past August, Clínica de Familia La Romana celebrated its 10th year of Camp Hope and Joy, its annual summer camp for children and adolescents with HIV. This year’s camp welcomed more than 80 campers to Jarabacoa under the theme: “One More Step, the Sky is the Limit.”
At camp, kids with HIV can just be kids in a safe, supportive and loving environment. They participate in activities like arts and crafts, sports, community service, singing, drama and games. “We are empowering the kids,” says Camp Director Noemí Paniagua. “We are creating young people who can stand up for themselves.”
At this year’s talent show, which included congo lines of rainbow-wigged counselors and campers, campers, staff, and donors gave emotional testimonies about how important camp has been in their lives. Afterwards, campers and counselors lighted floating candles in memory of those who have passed away and as a symbol of hope for the future.
Camper Elizabeth becomes radiant when she starts to talk about her experiences at Camp. “The first thing to understand about the camp is that you can enjoy yourself and share with your friends.” With her bubbling energy, it’s hard to imagine that she has lived with HIV since birth. Elizabeth makes sure that others understand the importance of the camp in her life. “It’s just as important as the lab tests, the clinic checkups, all of that,” she says. While she finishes her breakfast, Elizabeth runs her fingers over a framed photo of last year’s camp. It shows her on stage, receiving the Super Campista award. “There’s no other support like this in my life.”
If you want to learn more about this amazing camp and the other programs offered by Clínica de Familia La Romana, please visit the organization on the web at: http://www.clinicadefamilia.org.do/video or send an email to info@clinicadefamilia.org.do.