Camp Odayin

A decade ago, I was an adult, who was diagnosed with heart disease as a teen- and seeking a non profit to get plugged in with that offered opportunities to kids that I didn’t have growing up. That is when I found Camp Odayin and began volunteering. Since then, I have joined the Board and had a heart transplant myself - the mission of Camp Odayin couldn’t resonate more with me. This is a great organization for many kids and their parents- who get support and encouragement in ways you can’t find elsewhere.

Camp Odayin is a wonderful organization that provides an amazing sense of community for children and families affected by heart disease. Kids get the opportunity to just be kids in an awesome camp environment and there is a wonderful support organization for families as they navigate the challenges of heart disease. And with the generous support of donors, the cost of attending summer camp is reduced to $50 per child. I couldn't be more proud to be a small part of the great work this organization does.

We had no idea our daughter had a heart condition until she got sick and next thing you know she was having open heart surgery 8 hours later, she was 10 years old. It was a lot as a parent to take in and everything just happened so fast. As a parent I am so thankful for Camp Odayin!! She didn’t have surgery had a baby so she remembers everything and a lot changed in her life very quickly so getting to go to camp with other kids who have the same scar, go to cardiology appointments, and just a place where she’s encouraged to be herself. It was such a great thing for her and she deserved every bit of it after everything she went through. It is such a blessing that there are many options of travel and expenses so no kid is turned away and they all get this experience. She can’t wait to go back next year!

This is an awesome organization where kids can just be kids in a medically safe environment and learn about themselves as well as learn new life skills.

Camp Odayin is the absolute best place to volunteer at! Volunteering as a camp counselor is just as fun as being a camper! It is truly inspiring to be a leader to these kids for a week, and watch them become comfortable in who they are when they are surrounded by other children with heart disease. I highly recommend volunteering for Camp Odayin to anyone looking for a life changing opportunity!

Camp Odayin provides a community of support for kids AND parents. Each year, my son comes home showing more confidence and independence - and for the first time ever, he doesn’t feel compelled to hide his scars while swimming!

Best extended family one could ask for they are prepared for any unseen circumstances that could happen and they have the best love for the kids

Having the opportunity to see that he's not the only one living with the challenges he faces has had such an impact on his outlook on life. Going to camp and feeling "normal" among his peers has helped him to live with a new perspective.

We have been very blessed to have been invited to be part of this camp. It’s changed our lives has a family and has made my son more comfortable and confident about his heart condition. The amount of love and support that they bring to every camp and event is incredible. Every single thing that they do for the kids is amazing and we hope to continue to enjoy every moment.

My daughter loved this heart camp. It was so well organized and executed, she is excited to go back next year!

I participated in the Camp Odayin, 2024 Heart Mom Retreat in Lake Geneva, WI.

I came to the weekend feeling stuck in a depressive cycle from the year of unknowns and fear with our son, who was born with a Congenital Heart Defect. Even though his path was slightly improved by adding a new medicine, I just couldn't shake the worry and fear.

Then I spent the weekend with moms who understood. I laughed freely, without guilt, worry or stress. I loved these ladies in the moment and through their stories and the struggles that we could instantly connect on. I was able, even if just for the weekend, to let go. I could be me again. We are all caretakers there, so we don't pity each other. It is a weekend of support, education, and while leaning all together, we can put our worries together and the weight of life doesn't feel impossible anymore.

I didn't know I needed Camp Odayin, but now I don't know how to get through life without them! The retreat is one weekend, but it is a weekend that helps me be the best mom I can to my special family for the rest of the year! I will be forever grateful that I found Camp Odayin, or they found me!!

My son went to Winter Camp in February 2024. It was his first time away from home by himself and he had an absolutely great time! We are very grateful to have this resource for him.

My family had the pleasure of attending family camp last weekend, my daughter has gone to overnight camp the last two years. There is nothing like being immersed in a group of people who completely understand what it’s like to be you. People who’ve been where you have, people whose bodies work like yours.

I don’t think I could ever say enough things to express what camp means to us, but she said it best this weekend: “Mom is it OK that I feel totally comfortable here and things that would embarrass me at home and would never do feel completely normal?“. To which I answered of course, and told her how happy I am she feels that way. Forever grateful for this camp, and these people.

They have provided a camp setting for my son who has congenital heart disease. Once a year our whole family is invited out for a weekend and as a family spend time with other family's in similar situations/conditions. This year was our 7th visit to this camp and each year our family has enjoyed our experience. To put it simply Odayin is great! Their staff and volunteers put on an outstanding program that is packed full for the whole weekend. They also offer a resident camp for the heart children that my son hasn't participated in yet simply because due to his and his siblings schedule it hasn't allowed for him to attend for a week in the summer when it's offered but I know that program is outstanding as well from the feedback other families have filled me in with when we attend the family camp weekend in the fall.

Words cannot express how grateful we are to Camp Odayin. My daughter was really nervous about attending camp. This was her first year and we had to talk her into it. Her camp experience was LIFE CHANGING.
My daughter would never be able to attend a traditional residential camp. There would be no way to manage the medical needs and make accommodations. Camp Odayin is my daughters chance to have some normalcy with other kids that need are similar.
As a parent I took great comfort in knowing the cardiology providers were on site ready to act on anything. As a parent my experience was LIFE CHANGING.

Camp Odayin has made a huge impact on my teenager feeling not alone living with her CHD. They go above and beyond making camp fun and safe for her!

My 11 year old son was incredibly apprehensive about leaving for camp. As an anxious kid, he struggles with meeting new people and finding his "place". He was truly a different kid when we picked him up five days later! He laughed and joked with his new friends, exchanging hugs and high fives. For the entire 2.5 hours ride home, He did not stop talking once about the best week of his life! I couldn't believe he had that much to say! Camp Odayin was truly a special, one of a kind experience that will have a lifelong impact on my son.

I attended camp as a teenager and have since returned as a volunteer camp counselor. I credit Camp Odayin with much of the confidence I gained as an early adolescent. As an adult, I have found a strong community of people who are invested in supporting campers. Camp Odayin creates life changing experiences for young people with heart conditions.

I am so glad my daughter has this community and that she knows she is not alone on her heart journey. Seeing others with scars like hers and girls that have the same medical issues is so important now and as she gets older. Thank you for all you do!

My daughter has loved camp since her first year in second grade; it’s literally the highlight of her summer. She’s going into her sophomore year of high school this year and the timing of camp could not have been more perfect. While at camp I got a call from her cardiologist that she is going to be trying out two new meds. After her last checkup, in June, they’ve noticed a considerable change in her heart. If these two meds don’t help we will start to discuss with the transplant team. In a way I’m glad she was gone when we found out. I needed a couple days to process and it wasn’t easy. However, when she got home and we shared the possibility of this huge life change her first comment was, “(name of camper) who was in my cabin just had a transplant in January.” She proceeded to tell me a little about her new friend and although I can tell she was nervous I could also tell she felt comfort in having a friend who had just gone through it. We don’t know exactly what the next year will bring us but I am beyond grateful that she has someone she can call when she’s ready or needs to talk. I personally know kids who have gone through transplant but she only knows their names. She views camp as a week of fun filled activities but it’s so much more. Love you guys and all that you do. ❤️

Camp Odayin is just different. And I mean different in a good way. Every time you attend one of their events, you're brought into a Family of like people. You just release because everyone around you understands that at one point in your life, or currently, your family is or has gone through a major trauma. You don’t need to spend time explaining or having someone feel sorry for you. You can just let loose and enjoy the time together as a family. Our heart kids are different, they are quirky, and seeing them together explains a lot without even needing it to be explained. It makes my heart smile! As for the Camp O'dayin team, they are unbelievable the kindness and care they provide every family is amazing. The fact that you walk in the door and they can name your child or something they remember about you from a year ago makes you feel so good and happy to be part of this family! We truly appreciate all they do for our family and others.

When I found out my child was diagnosed with a heart condition, we were faced with many things he “couldn’t” do. Camp Odayin gave him one normal experience that he could look forward to every year, where he could share an incredible experience with kids who were just as special as he is. No judgement on abilities, and it gave him confidence with his scars. They are all warriors and we can only hope to be as brave as they all are. Camp Odayin gives them that chance.

My grandson has been attending Camp Odayin since preschool. Each summer has been an excellent experience for him.

Camp Odayin changed my sons world! In a place where kids have medical conditions, they do not always have the ability to do “normal” things that kids do, like summer camp. This organization gives them that chance!

My son attended Camp Odayin overnight camp, an opportunity for him to meet and spend time with other kids with congenital heart conditions.

He loved the camp and said he is definitely going back next year. He said that the kids in his cabin were way less obnoxious than the kids in his cabin at the overnight camp he attended last year. It seemed to me to be a very diverse, well-mannered group of kids who were eager to have fun and be supportive of one another.

He even made a friend in his cabin and asked me to share contact info with his parents, so they could stay connected and get together.

He really liked his cabin counselor - they played games and his counselor generally helped create a fun and welcoming atmosphere. More than one of the staff came up to me when we met the bus to specifically tell me that they really enjoyed him, which indicates to me that they enjoyed making personal connections with the kids.

The camp is very well organized and the instructions and checklist provided to prepare for camp were perfect. My son didn't complain about missing anything and he did end up wearing some of the goofy stuff he brought for the special events with themes.

Of the three overnight camps my son has attended, this was his favorite. The quality and variety of activities was excellent and he really liked the overall vibe.

A cute story that exemplifies the quality of the experience this camp provides: At the pickup spot after camp, I overheard another camper as he came off the bus to find his mother. The very first thing he said, before any other greeting to his mom, was, "I don't want to go back to reality."

Camp Odayin is more special than I can put into words. I'm grateful for the opportunity and experiences my son was able to participate in but the fact it was only $25 per camper touched my heart in a different way. The medical expenses that come with CHD are an extreme burden on some families and if this camp was the cost of a typical camp, some families may not have been as able to attend. I look forward to every Camp Odayin event.

This was my first time being a camp counselor and it was probably the best first experience I could have asked for! I loved getting to know my campers and see them have their first camp experience as well. The other counselors and staff were fantastic to work with and I haven’t been able to stop talking about how great it was since I left! Odayin is so well organized and I enjoyed every moment I was there.

Camp Odayin has made me and my child feel like we belong. In a messy medical world that often feels isolating and lonely Camp Odayin brings kids and families together to create lifelong bonds and a spirt of connection. Thank you!

My son Henry was diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (often referred to as half a heart) at 20 weeks. After plenty of time at the hospital between 3 open heart surgeries and recovery, we were told by his cardiologists in Milwaukee and Minneapolis about Camp Odayin and the programs they offer for kids with heart disease. Henry finally hit the age where he could attend their residential camp and was so excited to attend!
He just wrapped up his first time at camp and has already told me he can’t wait for winter camp and next summer’s camp! He was able to swim, fish, ride horses, and so much more thanks to the staff and volunteers at Camp Odayin and Camp Knutson. We could not be happier for what this program has brought into our lives, including relationships for Henry with kids who have been through some of the same challenges as he is. Thank you, Camp Odayin!!!

I recently attended the Mom's Retreat in Stillwater, Minnesota. I had an amazing weekend connecting with other "Heart Mom's" and taking some time to refresh and recharge. It is an amazing feeling knowing that I am not on this journey alone!
Thank you, Camp Odayin!!

I volunteered at Camp Odayin's family camp for the first time this past October, and was so impressed! It was so well organized, relaxed and fun! I had a great time meeting all the amazing staff, families, and other volunteers! The lego theme for the weekend was such a hit, too :)

Camp Odayin is an incredible organization that changes the lives of many young people with congenital heart defects. These children can be limited in traditional academic, social, and athletic activities. However, Camp Odayin shows these young people they are full of talent and have a steady place in the world by providing a safe, inclusive environment. Camp Odayin's dedication to these children is shown in the extensive, thoughtful planning, programing, and outreach they do for the children and families.

Camp Odayin is a place where heart families are supported, kids’ confidence grows and a community flourishes! This is an amazing group, that encourages everyone to open their hearts and let wonderful stories unfold!!

My son had so much fun at his first overnight at Camp Odayin! He did so many activities (zip lining was a favorite) and got to just be a kid. As parents, we were thrilled for the opportunity for our child to safely attend sleep away camp. We are so grateful for the counselors, nurses, docs, and other staff members who put it all together.

My 8 year old son has grown in independence, has an amazing life experience, and learned how it felt to be truly accepted at Camp Odayin. This organization goes ABOVE and BEYOND to create a culture of safety, adventure, diversity, fun, and kindness. They are life changing for kids with congenital heart defects. Sue Murray

We cannot say enough wonderful words about the camp experience for our daughter with a heart defect! It was a beautiful reason to let go a bit and let our 9 year old have adventure, independence and a ton of fun in a safe and supportive environment. I wish we had a Camp Odayin for our heart healthy son! I am so grateful to the staff, volunteers and donors for making this wonderful week possible for our family.

This group is doing great work. It’s unfortunate that it won’t allow unvaccinated campers to attend their camps. As a camp that supports kids with congenital heart defects. Some simply can’t be vaccinated for a variety of medical reasons. It’s been clear for some time now that vaccination does not stop the spread of COVID. So, why punish campers that can’t be vaccinated? I lost a lot of respect for this group because of this move and other recent political moves. It’s a shame because my daughter loved her day camp experience.

Camp Odayin is truly a WONDERFUL organization! The Heart Mom Retreat is a weekend that I look forward to every year. Being surrounded by other mommas who understand what life is like with a heart child is so powerful. Can not recommend Camp Odayin enough! :)

Camp Odayin provides fun and support for not just heart warriors, but also their families. We are so thankful to have found what oftentimes feels like family!

I've volunteered the last two years at the annual golf event, and it was very rewarding. Kris is great to work with and cares a lot about her campers. A+ organization!

As I work in pediatric cardiology, I was excited to apply to be a volunteer at Camp Odayin. I was thrilled to find out that I was selected to be a camp counselor. My weekend at day camp in Hudson was amazing. It brought tears to my eyes seeing kids with heart conditions meet each other. They (and I) all had a blast just being kids. It was great to see them all connect over a common condition. When I was asked last minute to volunteer for the next weekend’s camp, my reaction was “um, yeah I’ll be there!” I can’t wait to volunteer for winter camp!

My daughter started with Camp Odayin with the daycamp with the next year summer camp until she was 17 graduating the program. She came home from camp with a new level of confidence that was obvious. To meet and grow friendships with others that could understand what it like to be a kid with a special heart. We also had the privilege to participate in family camp. Heart disease affects the whole family. We experience a weekend of "letting it go". We got a glimpse of camp experience. Silly songs, games, costumes, camp traditions. Flag raising, salute to Paul Bunyan, having to do the squirrel song to retrieve lost items, meal time chants between tables. On a serious side had parent time to discuss parenting a special heart kid, siblings had their own groups and special heart kids had a group. Camp O'Dayin is making a difference in empowering kids and families dealing with heart disease. Truly is where kids and families can spend time worry free , have fun , build friendships and feel supported. We love you!

Volunteering at Camp Odayin has been one of the best experiences of my life. I have met lifelong friends and had the honor of working with the amazing young people whom this camp serves. Getting to know the Camp Odayin families solidified my desire to spend my career working with and serving these families.

Camp Odayin has provided such great connections for my daughter. Especially given the tough year with Covid. She has met lifelong friends and her confidence has soared. Cannot thank them enough!

What an amazing organization!!! I attended their Mom’s Retreat for mothers of children born with congenital heart defects, and they could not have been more warm and welcoming! The weekend was full of educational speakers and restorative, fun activities that really allowed all the moms to connect with one another. What a gift to have a couple days dedicated to fostering those supportive relationships and stepping back from everyday life to do some self-care. For the first time in a long time, I felt energized and rejuvenated, thanks to Camp Odayin. It is clear from meeting Sara and Brooke that this organization truly cares about heart families and doing everything they can to help improve quality of life for the whole family. I can’t wait for my son to attend their camp for heart kids! I wish I could rate them 100 stars!!

My son, our first born, has a complex CHD diagnosis. His first year especially has felt so lonely, overwhelming, and difficult. I am so thankful, beyond words, to have found a community of families who understand through Camp Odayin. I recently attended their Mom Retreat and it was everything I needed. I connected with mom's who understood, listen to fabulous speakers, did healing art, and more. I laughed, I cried, and I came home refreshed and proud of my son, along with having new mentors and friends at my side. I know I am not in this journey alone anymore. And I can't wait for my son to be old enough to attend camp every year!!

This is an incredible organization. I haven't been able to connect with any heart moms like me in real life and now knowing so many is incredible. I finally have people that can relate to what I am going through and that will be there for me.

This group allowed me some time away from my heart kid which is difficult as a single mom.

To be a part of a dream for children with heart disease was a very special opportunity for me. Our daughter Terri was born with congenital heart disease that required surgery a few days after she was born. Throughout her 26+ years of life we tried to safely give her all the experiences we could. Throughout additional surgeries and hospital stays and 2 1/2 years on the heart transplant list which unfortunately didn’t come.. She was a trooper.

I know she would have loved Camp Odayin. Her dad and I would have been worried, her sisters jealous and then all of us would have been thrilled a for the great opportunity she would have had and the friends, like her, that she would have made.

Being on the initial Board for Camp Odayin was an honor and a way to help others. When the campers got off the bus for the first time at Camp Odayin, I know all involved had tears in our eyes and the biggest smiles on our faces. Our hearts were filled with joy. It was the realization of a dream that touched us all.

I am proud to be a supporter of a Camp that does so much for so many.
Marilyn Opp

Camp Odayin is an amazing experience that lives up to its motto: Kids Play, Worries Rest and Fun Happens. I have been affiliated and/or donating to this organization for over 15 years. The organization has strong leadership and an impactful and dynamic Board of Directors that focuses on young people with heart disease and their families. The ability to build a foundation of volunteer support has been a key strength that has allowed Camp Odayin to use donations to support the young people it serves and the development of programs. Having been to camp several years and participated in many of the programs, this is a "real" camp experience in a safe environment that allows young people to be young people and set aside their "medical" life for fun, socializing, and sharing with each other. The focus on the family unit cannot be underestimated and Camp Odayin has successfully incorporated programs to engage and benefit the family. I fully support this organization and will continue to donate and support Camp Odayin.

I am so happy to support Camp Odayin! The Camp O team bends over backwards to provide kids with high quality, safe camp experiences — and they make it FUN! I’ve had the privilege of seeing how the staff work together behind the scenes and I can tell you they are just as energetic, authentic, and kind-hearted as you’d hope. They are also responsible stewards. Camp Odayin is an organization that consistently demonstrates exceptional fiscal integrity — just one more reason I respect this organization. I have been honored to contribute to Camp Odayin over the years and will continue to support their mission into the future.

Over the years, I have been honored to support the mission of Camp Odayin. Its community reflects the spirit of its namesake ("heart" - "odayin", derived from Ojibwe), and its community of campers, families, sponsors, volunteers, staff and all other stakeholders reflect that which is the best of human spirit and goodness. Should you wish to discuss more about Camp Odayin, or hear additional feedback on my experiences, please reach out to me directly at terry.macvey@gmail.com.

I have been volunteering for and donating to Camp Odayin for 20 years and will continue to do so. I have seen the dramatic impact this organization has on the lives of children with heart disease. For the children (aka the campers) their week at camp becomes the highlight of their year. The friends they make at camp become their best friends. The freedom they feel and the confidence they develop at camp is transformative. They become bolder, stronger, more resilient. They develop the skills they need to become independent adults and leaders in society. The parents of the campers are surprised, shocked at times, with the developmental leap forward they see in their children. Camp Odayin gives these children, and their families, experiences they cannot get anywhere else. I give to Camp Odayin with confidence and joy because I know that my support will be used directly to improve the lives of deserving children and their families. I cannot think of a more impactful or trustworthy organization.

Camp Odayin has brought so much happiness and friendship to my young son. He looks forward to camp every year. Camp Odayin has brought us, parents, many friendships and a support system like no other. The HEARTS of those who work for Camp Odayin, the volunteers and everyone involved are huge. We call them our heart family. I cry every year at family camp when I have to say good-bye.

Camp Odayin is amazing! Although my son is grown and no longer attends camp, the memories and friendships he made there are proving to last a lifetime. Camp Odayin provides a traditional camping experience for children with heart disease at no cost to parents. The camp provides comprehensive medical support staff which was very important to me as a parent. "Kids play. Worries rest. Fun happens" is a perfect motto and the reason he came all the way from Michigan to attend. Thanks Camp Odayin for all you do for our heart warriors.

Camp Odayin has had an incredible impact on my family. My brother and I each attended Camp Odayin for 5 years each, and met some of our closest friends that we still remain in touch with to this day. Camp Odayin gave me the confidence to accept my congenital heart disease, my scars, and my insecurities. This camp, the staff, and volunteers are all extremely supportive, attentive, caring, creative, and very competent.

Camp Odayin’s residential camp continues to be the highlight of my CHD son’s summer! My family has enjoyed the Fall Family Camp every year since my Son was four years of age. We have connected with other families like ours in beautiful and meaningful ways. Such a wonderful organization that supports these special kids in countless ways! Camp Odayin you are invaluable!!!

I was so thankful to find Camp Odayin. As a new mom whose baby was born with a critical congenital heart defect, I was struggling. I desperately needed connection and support when someone told me about Camp Odayin. They started an annual Heart Moms' Retreat where we get a day and night away to learn, connect, share, and do some self-care. Camp Odayin tremendously supported my mental health and I am so excited to take part in their Family Camp too!

I can’t say enough about the incredible positive impact this camp has had on our family!!

We found their information when we were in the hospital with our newborn. Knowing there was a community of people to connect with was so comforting.

We brought out infant to our first “ family camp” when she was just a few months old...

We’ve been going back ever since - this was our 8th year!!

We’ve formed deep relationships with other parents who can really relate and understand our unique circumstances.

We are so thankful for this great organization. They are passionate, committed, and consistently go above and beyond...

Camp Odayin offers our daughter an opportunity to spend time with others that "understand" what she has been through having two open heart surgeries and a pacemaker as well before the age of eleven. She gets the opportunity to just be a kid - while not feeling like she is alone in her journey.

Camp Odayin was an incredible experience for our family! There is so much encouragement and laughter to be found there!

Camp Odayin changes lives! Heart kids need safe places to go where everyone understands their situation and they get to just be campers - and not the kid with the scar taking special medicines and not being able to participate in all the activities. Heart kids leave camp confident and excited about life! Camp Odayin also changes the lives of family members through Family Camp and their Moms' Retreat where family members of heart kids get to connect with others managing through the same challenges and opportunities creating an incredible community of support for each other. And, spend any time with the staff and you will be completely inspired. Sara Meslow and team are completely committed to the mission and love what they do...impacting lives through every connection and program.

Camp Odayin is a fantastic charity that serves almost 1000 families every year. The impact of Camp Odayin has on the children and families served is significant and lasting. It is an honor to serve on the Board of this extraordinary organization.

The organization is led by a group of extraordinary employees.

My son has gone to Camp Odayin for three years in Wisconsin and it has been one of the best experiences. As a parent, we don't have to worry about explaining his medical condition and medications. He has met friends that he keeps in touch with and will hopefully for life. These are kids that have similar difficult experiences but when they go to camp, they are just kids having fun and having great experiences. This is a camp we could never afford on our own to send our son to. The counselors and staff are amazing. Thank you so much.

As a pediatric nurse, and ending my full-time career as a school nurse, I would tell families of heart kids about Camp Odayin. But I didn't fully appreciate what a difference it made in these kids lives, and the lives of their families, till I started to volunteer for the camp. The first year I volunteered at the residential camp in Cross Lake, MN for a week with middle school-aged kids. During that week, the kids developed such close friendships, seemed completely relaxed, yet fully engaged. They were just like every other kid who goes to camp, only many had a 'zipper' on their chest- and especially during swim time at the beach, it didn't matter! They fit in...they were just like everyone else! And in middle school especially, that is so important.
The paid staff, the volunteer counselors, volunteer nurses and volunteer cardiologists helped to make their week at camp the safest...and yet the most fun week. One of the highlights of the week is, of course, the Talent Show. I have never laughed so hard! What talent! What fun!
During the past few summers, I have been the Day Camp nurse for the 'littles', those campers who have finished K through 3rd grade. They are dipping their little toes into the world of going to camp, and soon they will be old enough, and confident enough, to attend the residential camp with these same campers whom they have grown to know.
Having worked with families of children with medical needs my entire career, I think one of the key words is 'trust'. When families trust the staff and know that their kids will be safe and taken care of, they are comfortable letting them just be a kid, away from home, sometimes for the very first time.
Camp Odayin changes lives and "makes a difference', and isn't that what it's all about!

Camp Odayin is a one-of-a-kind experience for heart kids and heart families. My son has attended summer camp for five years and it's been an empowering experience he otherwise would not have had. Our family also has attended family camp, which was a great experience too. I am forever indebted to Camp Odayin for the joy and positivity they've brought to our heart warrior.

Camp Odayin is a wonderful, well-run organization. It is amazing to meet children who have attended a camp or hear from parents whose lives have been affected by the Camp's work. The Camp provides a place for kids with heart disease to be themselves and connect with others to have great experiences and form life-long friendships.

She is not sociable in school, but really blooms at heart camp, family camp, and winter camp. She feels like she belongs, and everyone is like her. No one outside Camp Odayin family and friends truly understand. The camp helps her have fun, make friends, see old ones, and forget about everyday problems. Without this camp, we could not afford any other one. Any other camp would see her scars, and maybe solo her out or be scared. This camp has made sure she has matured to a beautiful, kind-hearted individual. They also have made our family feel important, and that we also aren't alone in difficult times, and happy times.

We are so extremely thankful for the experience our son was able to have this summer with Camp Odayin. To meet heart warriors of all ages and know he wasn’t the “different “ kid with a scar on this chest was a priceless gift. He learned new songs, tried new adventures, and made lifelong friends. Thank you isn’t enough!

Camp Odayin is my second home. It's the place where I found my lifelong friends that understand what I'm going through because they also have a long scar down their chest. Camp is where I became confident and found my calling in the healthcare field, to become an Echocardiographer. I am forever grateful for the positive memories and experiences I have had at the best place in the whole world. My best friend and I got matching tattoos with the camp logo & lyrics to the song we sang "You can be happy if you let yourself be". I also made a t-shirt quilt w/ all of my camp shirts, commemorating the many amazing summers and winters at Odayin. Thank you. ❤️

Camp Odayin provides a great opportunity for my child who has a congenital heart defect. He has enjoyed being part of the Camp Odayin Family for more than eight years now. He has made an amazing life long friend, and this year as a middle schooler made many more great connections with kids like him. He's already talking about meeting up with some friends and can't wait for camp next summer.

Camp Odayin provides so many great opportunities for families to connect as well. All of the staff are amazing and care about each camper as individuals. I am so pleased with all of our interactions with this organization.

Thanks, Camp Odayin, for being an amazing part of our family!

Our Son has a serious heart defect that makes our lives allot "different" from the normal family..daily medication, monthly (or more) doctor visits, extra precautions, disrupted events, and additional stress is just a little bit of what we deal with out of the love for him. No one "gets this" like other heart families, Camp Odayin is where we can all feel "normal" in the big group, we are not the minority here! We laugh, cry and share and learn from each other and come home with life long friendships that will support us all year long. Our family becomes closer as we learn we are not the only ones "dealing with this" we can de-stress and talk about ways to do make life better/easier. The camp staff always has great activities planned that takes us out of our "comfort zone" and lets us be silly in a way that makes lasting memories. We love Camp Odayin!

We are a family of four; our oldest child has a heart defect. Family Camp Odayin is a time for us as a whole family (not just the kids) to spend time connecting with eachother and connecting with other families who also have a child with a heart defect. We share similar experiences, hopes, and fears. Attending Family Camp Odayin makes us feel less alone and more "normal". The staff are outstanding; the facilities are outstanding; the cost is negligible. Five stars. Highly recommend.

My daughter started attending Camp Odayin at age 8 and "graduated" this past summer at age 17. Camp Odayin has always been the high light of the year for her. It gave her something to look forward to when things were tough. She has made some great friends through camp that truly understand what it's like to face the reality of having a chronic heart condition and the limitations that come with it. The staff is absolutely amazing at making these kiddo's feel good about their heart conditions and boosting their self-esteem. We are so thankful to be part of the Camp Odayin family!

Camp Odayin went out of their way to help get my daughter there! The staff are all incredibly kind and genuine. Since she was little, my daughter has hated being "different" and at Camp Odayin, for the first time, she wasn't different. She was just a kid enjoying camp.

I began attending Camp Odayin at age 10 and went every summer for 7 years. This camp does more than just give kids with heart disease an opportunity to attend summer camp. It is a place where those kids can meet others, share their story, and realize they are not alone in their experiences. It is a place where those kids are able to act silly while growing confident in themselves. A place where scars are the norm and a family is made from the memories. The staff is amazing and the life lessons just as valued. A place where I learned that "all of our hearts are deeper than you can see, you can be happy if you let yourself be!"

I am a former camper of Odayin and I've never felt more at home. Being with other kids with the same scar and/or the same heart condition makes you feel normal. Camp Odayin is the best thing that has ever happened to me.

My name is Evan Jasnoch and I am 19 years old. I've been going to Camp Odayin every summer for as long as I can remember. For a place that deals specifically with kids with heart conditions, they do a wonderful job of helping kids accept who they are and allow them to have a true summer camp experience, undeterred by their conditions. I've never felt more safe or unafraid of who I am or what has happened to me, because at Camp Odayin I know that I am not alone, and that my condition makes me special but does not hold me back from living my life.

my daughter has gone to Camp Odayin for her 4th year, this year. It is her favorite place to go in the summer. I asked her the first time she came back from camp, what her favorite part, and she responded "they didn't judge me for my scar." that was the best feeling to me because now she can see other kids with the same kind of condition and see that everyone is the same and it is not stopping her from being her and fulfilling her dreams.

Our son loves Camp Odayin! It is his favorite week of the year! He comes home every summer to tell us it was the best year ever! We always laugh as we hear that year after year! The staff and volunteers are awesome!

Camp Odayin is the most outstanding youth organization for kids with heart disease/defects. Our son loves going to camp. It is the highlight of his summer. Our family vacations are scheduled around this camp. We are blessed to know and be apart of this fantastic nonprofit. Keep up all the great work! Tauer Family

My son is a graduate this year with great saddness from Camp Odayin in other words he will be 18 and over the age to go next year. this was his 10th year of camp and each year as camp gets closer he has been remembering and talking about his friends and previous years experiences. Camp Odayin has given him self confidence and taught him he is not alone with a chest scar and previous heart problem. The staff and Counselors have been very profesional while making this a fun experience for the kids. The cost for this great camp has been minimal especialy when you get to see the pictures of all the activites and all the smiles on kids that just may not have had another chance to go to a summer camp

Every year this is one of my son's favorite weeks. The activities, staff and fellow campers are amazing. What a great organization! My son's comment when he arrived home "Mom, that was an awesome week!" and for a teenager to say that....pretty incredible!

Just finished my 10th or 11th week as a volunteer at Camp Odayin. The experience continues to inspire me. The children attending camp and the vounteers continue to bring endless positve energy and positive experiences for all. It is hard to imagine how the camp can improve, but somehow every year it gets better!
Keep up the great work!

Thank you again for another great summer camp experience! My son got in the car yesterday and said, “Mom, that was by far the best year ever!” As we continued to talk about things that happened that week he said, “I love it because everyone is on level ground. There aren’t clicks. There aren’t the jocks, the nerds....we are all the same. It’s not like that at school.”


I know what you do takes a tremendous amount of planning and coordinating but every minute of it paid off! When you cheer for every camper that comes in and identify something specific about them they are really good at...it makes such a huge difference to who they believe they are.

What an extraordinary group of people!

This is the best camp in the State of Minnesota. I work in the Academic Health Center at the University of Minnesota and recruit medical, nursing, pharmacy, and other health professional students to volunteer at Camp Odayin. These students are in the midst of intensely rigorous academic programs yet care enough to volunteer their experience and skills to make a difference in the lives of the kids at camp in the very limited break they have from classes and rotations. They are also young enough (most in their early to mid-twenties) to be able to relate to the camper population, engage with them, and have fun with them. Perhaps best of all, because the camp is run on an almost entirely volunteer population, the only cost to campers and their families is a $25 registration fee which includes the entire week of camp experiences and activities! The families are so lucky to have the opportunity to attend a camp which focuses on kids with heart issues. I'm a huge fan of Camp Odayin.

I have been a Camp Odayin board member for 5 years and I can attest to the professionalism with which this organization pursues its mission. The staff are committed, qualified and passionate about what they do. The well-being of the campers is always #1 - as it should be. I am proud to be associated with Camp Odayin.

Disappointed in the Training of the counselors/staff - as they take volunteers-it's very transient. Kids with heart disease are affected emotionally more than just limited activities. All the fun camp stuff is great but these kids have things going on and they admit they aren't prepared to deal with them - though they advertise they give emotional guidance and direction and support.
The volunteer staff don't realize that as its short term good intention for them and they are following the leadership who doesn't want any disagreements. any disruptions just need to just go away until they are done at the end of the week. They could teach in that moment instead their leadership finds someone to take the blame, and any challenge and it comes down harder and harder.

I was asked to take my review down - but I said I wouldn't as I think if unread this I would've realized it wasn't a fit for my son. It might be for some - but he just isn't happy and felt the opposite of accepted seeing how things were run with him and others.

My kid was recently diagnosed 2 years ago and had 2 heart surgeries, where a lot of kids who attend were born with issues, the personal outlooks are different. Levels of limitations through life and understanding and acceptance differ. This camp is very very structured in activity, but not counseling or emotional needs which we believed were going to be the key component we were looking for. My kid hasn't been restricted before and wasn't now, so the activity level was less challenging then other camps so wasn't as impressed as other kids are, and the emotional value we hoped to get wasn't there. My kid felt like an outsider. So I guess when filling out the application and the mention the "right fit" this is what they are talking about and for the right camper it is.
The wrong fit can be harmful.

This summer will be my sixth summer as a camp nurse at Odayin. When I signed up six years ago, I was expecting to enjoy a week away at camp, on a lake, with some fun kids. What I ended up with was a life-changing week and a second "family." The kids weren't just fun, they were amazing. I was with the oldest kids (ages 14-17) and was blown away by the respect and concern they showed for others. Everyone was included, no matter their looks or level of ability. As someone who has worked with kids for years, this was nothing short of amazing (especially for teens!). At camp there are no bullies or hurt feelings; only friends, encouragement, and smiles. The kids make life-long friends and it is pretty cool to see.

Camp itself is also like nothing I ever experienced in my days at camp as a kid. The cabins are clean and comfortable, the food tastes great, and the activities for the kids are ridiculously awesome. The summer staff up at Camp K are super qualified and always have fun things planned.

Lastly, the Odayin staff and volunteers are great. The staff are organized and enthusiastic. They treat the volunteers and kids with the utmost appreciation and respect. The volunteers are awesome people with huge hearts. I have made some of my closest friends with fellow staff and volunteers at camp.

Camp really is just one of the most fun, amazing, life-changing places in the world. It is not an understatement to call Odayin a "family." I hope to still be volunteering there as a nurse in thirty years when I am old and gray!

Our son Kyle has been diagnosed with Long QT Syndrome. Kyle attended Camp Odayin for the first time last summer and had an experience he will never forget. For the first time since he was diagnosed he had the freedom and the confidence to join in and forget about his condition and limitations. Camp Odayin creates a magical safe exciting place for sick kids to blend in and enjoy being a kid.

This will be my fourth summer volunteering at Camp Odayin as a camp doctor. This is a tremendous organization that offers a unique and amazing experience to children with heart disease. Part of this is ensuring that activities are safe and that staff is well-trained so that parents rest assured that their children are cared for while away. Fantastic leadership. I only hope they are able to expand further geographically in the near future so that more people can benefit from the services they provide.

My son is still too young to be a camper during the day camp & sleep away. He's only four. But we have been a part of Camp Odayin's Family camp for the last three years. It has been a wonderful experience for both him and I. We've met fantastic families and love seeing the Camp Odayin staffers each year.

Chase was the youngest camper to attend Family Camp three years ago. It was a little daunting to hand my child off to someone I just met so I could share in the Parents Time and participate in the Q&A with the Pediatric Cardiologist. Of course I had nothing to worry about. Chase had a blast with Matt and the older kids.

Each year we look forward to Family Camp- I don't know who gets more excited me or him! It is so nice to have a home away from home. My kiddo will grow up with kids like him and I have the support of parents who have gone thru this journey before me. I am forever thankful I found Camp Odayin.

I attended camp Odayin for 3 years! During my time their I was able to make life-long friends that understand what it is like living with a heart condition. I felt like it was a place where I truly belonged. The staff their were all very friendly and made camp even more enjoyable. I hope to one day be able to give back to Camp Odayin as they have given so much to me! I am a completely different person now than I was before I went to camp. I have so much more confidence!

Two years ago I was convinced by some amazing Moms to allow my Oldest daughter who has Marfan syndrome to attend Camp Odayin. The only place she had slept without me was at my parents house. But she was excited to go and be part of the residential camp experience. I agreed to let her go because I knew this would probably be the only Camp suitable for her needs. She came back home a different girl, with more passion for life than she already had, she came back independent, strong, powerful. Last year my youngest decided to take the risk and experiment residential camp. On their return date she cried because she wished camp was longer, because she didn't want to let go of her cabin sisters and all the wonderful people at Camp. Throughout the whole year we deal with the anxiety at least once or twice a month of her stating she just can't wait until Camp, the wait is too long. This year we have our 11 year old going for her third time and our 10 year old going for her second time and even though other plans might have to be cancelled, family gatherings missed we are all happy to do it just for the smiles and memories that are made at Camp Odayin.

Last year was my first year as a "Camp Doc" at Camp Odayin - after hearing so many great things from my patients, it was great to get to finally go experience camp myself! Wonderful place filled with the best, most positive and uplifting folks you can imagine. I'm excited that I have several patients that will be going to camp this year for the first time. :)

Forget Disney... Camp Odayin is the most magical place on earth! I was a camper for 3 years, only because I didn't find out about it until I was 13. I live in West Virginia, but the trip out to MN was completely worth it. Before Odayin, I had attended other summer camps, but never had an enjoyable experience due to misunderstandings about my heart condition. At Odayin, I was never made fun of for my scars or not being able to "keep up," and best of all, I got to meet other kids just like me! I had never met anyone else with a heart condition that was my age, and having that opportunity was truly life-changing. I am now pursuing a degree in Biology/ Pre-Medicine to prepare for a career in pediatric cardiology. I have the confidence to follow my dreams, and hope to return as a volunteer physician (shout out to Dr. Chip)!

THANK YOU, Camp Odayin!!!!

Camp Odayin helped my son forget about his heart for a short time each summer and makes him feel like just one of the kids. Words cannot express the gratitude I feel and my family feels for just a wonderful place.

Camp Odayin not only has a summer residential program, but it's efforts to support kids with heart disease is year 'round. My daughter has learned fantastic leadership skills and has gained immeasurable confidence from all its programming. She loves family camp, winter camp, and the community/ fundraising events. It's a yearlong endeavor for her -- and us! The staff is amazing -- knowledgeable, professional, and caring.

Our son Brett (10) really enjoys summer and winter camp!! WE also as a family got a chance to do family camp and it was a Blast! Only wish My back wouldn't hold me back in joining in on all activities!!

Thank you to all staff!!

Doug

My daughter Kaylin has gone to Camp Odayin for the last 2 years. This will be her third year of going we live in Lisbon, Iowa and I would drive her all the way every year if that is what it takes! Kaylin feels like a normal little girl at Camp Odayin she is not singled out because of her heart problems, all the children have heart problems. They have different activities every year and meet new friends but also see the ones from the years before! $25.00 for her to go is amazing! It is beautiful and very warming and welcoming! The camp is beautiful and the lake is awesome! Archery and horseback riding are activties!

Camp Odayin is the best camp for my girls. Both my 11 year old and 10 year old have pacemakers and have had heart surgies. Two years ago I wanted them to go and they absolutely did not want to go 6 hours from home. Last year The staff of Childrens heart clinic helped me convince them to go. They decided maybe so I sent in all the paperwork and we were accepted. They went and came home and had an awesome time. This year they asked mom when do we get to go back. I said this summer. Thanks Camp Odayin for having a place my two girls can be themselves!!!!

Camp Odayin is the best! It is a place where kids who have been "special" their whole lives because of congenital or acquired heart disease can just be regular kids at camp. They can ride horses, shoot bows and arrows, eat s'mores at a bonfire and just have a fun time. Everyone has a scar on his/her chest so no one has to feel "special" about that. The number of returning kids every year tells you how terrific Camp Odayin is. As one of the volunteer doctors who goes there, I can tell you that I will keep going back every year. It is always the best 3 weeks of my summer!!

I love going to camp. I look forward to it all year, starting right when i get on the plane to go home. Everyone tries to talk all year but nothing is the same as that first second you see all your friends again after 365 days. It's amazing to be around kids that know exactly what you went through and exactly how you felt; it's a lot easier than constantly having to explain every detail. I've been going to camp for 6 years now, and this year will sadly be my last, but I'll never forget my camp days and all the amazing people I met. I'm so glad I got the chance to go there! =D

Awesome organization. Our daughter loved it and wants to go back again. The camp was well staffed by enthusiastic people. The setting was also beautiful. Thanks.

Camp Odayin is wonderful. It provides many excellent opportunities for my son with congenital heart disease to feel normal. After attending heart camp, he is much more outgoing and he doesn't feel as different from other kids. It has also been great for my whole family to meet other families living with CHD while doing normal family and recreational activities sponsored by Camp Odayin. My children with normal hearts have had the opportunity to meet other siblings who understand what it is like to be part of a family living with CHD. Sara, Alison, and Matt are organized, outgoing, and fabulous at what they do. Before moving to Minnesota, my son went to another heart camp that was very good. Camp Odayin, however, is the best! The camps are very well organized and fun, they provide families with a wide variety of recreational and service activities, and they connect families with new information related to CHD. Keep us the great work!

Our son Nicholas, 15 yrs, has attended Camp Odayin the past three years. We were very lucky that his 6th grade teacher, Laura Prekker, was a summer camp counselor and gave us the application so Nick could attend camp. We were so excited and relieved that Nick could attend and we wouldn't have to worry if we could afford to send him. It was free! If you ask Nick what the highlight of his summer was, he will say with a smile on his face "Heart Camp"! He made friends, tried new experiences, and now realizes that he isn't the only one with chest scars and a pacemaker. This was an enormous help this year because Nick knew that he would be having another open heart surgery in Dec. to replace his homograph pulmonary valve. Nick has chosen not to share is heart disease with classmates and you really can't tell he has a disability if he doesn't take his shirt off. Spending a week each summer with kids with similiar disablilities and kids that are healing from recent surgeries has given Nick courage and confidence. While he is away at camp, we do not worry. He is under excellent cardiac care. The Doctors, Nurses, Counselors and Volunteers are professional, knowlegeable, and caring. We feel truly blessed that Nick can attend Camp Odayin each year without bringing finacial hardship on our family because of non-profit donations. Please consider donating to this wonderful organization. Sincerely, Shawn and Patty VanLiew

Camp Odayin Where do I start. My daughter Gina has been lucky enough to go to Camp Odayin the last four years. She was born with a heart condition called Heart Bock. Through the early years we were pretty alone on how this would affect her life and what changes she might have to go through. We were told By her great cardilogist that there was a 5 day summer camp that kids with varying heart issues were able to go and be able to see that there are kids out there with heart issues and they are thriving . She was able to go and at first was hesitant, not sure what to expect. When I dropped her off right away I knew thatthe camp would be great for her. The camp personnel were great! They were understanding and treated my daughter as an old family friend. When I picked here up the following week I practically had to drag her to the car and all she talked about the two and half hour trip back home was all the experiences she had and she could wait to go the following year. In closing Gina has become more accepting of her condition and more at ease that she can live a normal life. The camp personnel are to be commended and they have my thanks. steve trenhaile moose lake , mn

Campodayin is a great camp. My son, who is 13 years old now, has gone for the past 5 summers & truly looks forward to it each summer. We live in Michigan but there is no other camp around that he could go to that I would feel comfortable sending him to. He is not able to go to other camps because of his heart condition but he truly enjoys all the activities & I am comfortable knowing he is getting the medical care he needs. He loves all the staff & activities. They do an exceptional job at Campodayin making it a great experience for each camper!!

My son was born with a complex congenital heart defect that through a series of surgeries was able to live a very normal life. But where ever you look there never seemed to be anyone else that had to deal with the Doctor visits or the need to take medications everyday. When he was about 13 years old we were discussing the fact that so many other kids had camps that would offer a time to get a way. They had camps for asthma,cancer etc. I think when we sent him to boy scout camp we made the counselors nervous. The first year my husband was able to go along, but in his second year he went solo with the other boys. I can't tell you after dropping him off at this remote camp site how nervous I was and continued to be for the entire week that he was gone. So the next time we went to the cardiologist we asked if they had heard of any camp that was out there for kids with congenital heart defects. The were able to offer us a brochure on Camp Odayin. It showed a brochure with kids just having fun. Of course for us the comforting fact was that they also told of the volunteer medical staff and facility that they have on hand and how close the Brainerd hospital would be if needed. We talked it over and signed him up. The first year we made sure that we drove him up to the Camp Odayin site. What a beautiful location. You could see the trees and lake and the huge lodge they use for a meeting site. We dropped our son off and checked in with the counseling staff to drop off all of our sons medications. Then we were dropped like a hot potato as he was welcomed in that year for a large lunch spread. Before we left they did let us peek in at the medical facility, it really assured us that he would be fine if anything came up. That was the first of five years that our son went to camp. The kids are able to do everything that any other camp kid can do .. and probably more. They have horseback riding, banana boats, swimming, archery, crafts, games, campfires, and every year they have a themed party. The ones I can remember are prom, toga party, back to the 70's, and the all-american day. Over the years he has met a lot of good friends, in fact he is dating a young lady he met at camp three years ago. The staff is awesome. They are so giving and caring. We are really thrilled with their medical director they have currently, he is one of our doctors that we have had. And we know how wonderful and caring he is. Last year sadly is the last that he can go as a camper due to his age. They have now opened a mentoring counselor program that these young adults can come back and offer there wisdom to the group. If you can't tell Camp Odayin is one of my Hot Spots and I can't tell you how much the camp and all their people really are special to our hearts. We continue to do whatever we can to help support the camp with walk/runs - give back to the community meetings and they benefit dinners in the cold month of Feb. If you have a chance to go or work at this camp I would say you are a very lucky person

My son was born with a serious heart defect and has had a series of surgeries. Camp Odayin is a welcoming, magical place for kids like him. He can go swimming without being self-conscious about the scar that runs the length of his chest. He doesn't need to worry about if he'll get too tired to take part in the activities. He can talk to other kids about what it is like to have heart problems. But mostly, he can have fun without being different. The camp is committed to supporting these kids and to making camp affordable for all kids.

This camp is fantastic. It changed my sons life. He thought he was the only kid with a heart defect and when he got there, he was one of many. When he got home, his attitude was better, he stopped talking about when he was going to die and at camp, he actually had conversations with other sick kids who really understood him, not just his well intentioned parents and doctors!!! The staff at Camp Odayin are absolutely incredible - they are well educated, concerned and really cared about the kids and they also showed the kids how to have a really great time! This was the first time I had actually been away from my son without any contact(aaarrggghh!!) and looking at the photos posted online each day eased my nerves and showed me that my angel was definately not missing me!!! CAMP ODAYIN ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My son has been attending Camp Odayin for six years. Every year, he returns having made new friends, with increased self-esteem and new coping skills.

I have been going to camp for six years. Sadly, next year will be my last because I will be too old to go again. I love camp and look forward to it every year. I have made lifetime friends and keep in touch with them throughout the year. The best part of camp is that I can totally be myself. I don't have to worry about being different because I have a scar from when I had open heart surgery because just about everyone has the same scar! The people at Camp Odayin are like my second family!

My Son was born with a congenital heart defect. His heart will require attention for the rest of his life. Camp Odayin has been life changing for him. The Camp Odayin Family is powerful. Camp built self esteem, respect for others and instilled a need to help others with similar problems. The influence of the volunteers has been so positive. Each year he comes home raving about things he has learned about life. He no longer feels as if he is the only one. I look forward to the day when i have successfully raised my children and come back and be a volunteer at camp Odayin.

FANTASTIC!!! That is the exact word of my 16 year old daughter who went for the first time this year. Easy to make friends, eye opening for kids to see others with heart conditions. Great counselors willing to listen and have fun. Their goal was to help all these kids have fun! My daughter came back with friends and a whole new way of looking at her heat condition.

Living in a rural area our son has not had knowledge of others who are just like him. Camp Odayin allowed and continues to allow him that privilege. Without their financial help we wouldn't be able to send our son to their residential camp.

Our daughter has attended Camp Odayin for three years and every year she comes home with more wonderful stories to share. She has found some amazing role models in active adults who like her have pacemakers. She has finally found friends outside of hospital settings that also have heart condtions. Without camp I think she would feel like she's the only one with heart disease. Thank you Camp Odayin for helping connect our daughter to nature, wonderful friends and caring staff who love her just the way she is.

Our Son has been to Camp Odayin for 6 consecutive Summers. It is a growing experience, a place to relax, have fun and be accepted by your peers. He has made some good friends, the Camp Staff is excellent and this Charity goes above and beyond to serve the Campers. They do it with love and a great attitude.

When our son was diagnosised with a heart condition, the entire family was devistated. We saw a camp flyer in the dr's office and looked into camp odayin. What a Godsend this organization has been for our san and our entire family. The staff at Camp Odayin are angles on Earth. It is truely amazing what they have done for our son and the confindence and 'normalcy' that they gave back to him - it's really a gift that they so willingly share with all the kids. Our son, Andrew, looks forward to his week at camp mor than anything else. That is his time to be 'free' and not have worries about his heart. At camp, he can relax and just be a normal kid and have fun. It's almost impossible to put into words all the amazing and gifted people who participate at camp and make a HUGE difference for all these kids. I know it's only five (5) days out of the week, but what they give to Andrew will last him a lifetime and beyond. Thank you to all the people who make Camp Odayin possible and God Bless you all.

Our daughter has been a Camp Odayin girl for the past 8 years. Camp Odayin has allowed her to have fun in the outdoors and be away from home in a safe and fun environment. Our daughter has made some very close friends at camp and when they see each other it is squeals and giggles all around. Honestly, Camp Odayin is the highlight of each summer! As parents, we can't ask for a safer or more fun camp experience for our heart child. On the first day of camp, it is a joy to say "goodbye" because we know that she will come home with many stories to tell of a really fabulous week. When the camp says "no worries", they mean it. There is nothing to worry about- only tales of your child's adventure to look forward to. If you're on the fence about sending your heart child to Camp Odayin, get brave and allow them to discover some independence at Camp Odayin! You'll be so glad you did- and so will they!

I attended Campy Odayin as a counselor for the first time in 2008. My mom is a nurse at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin and had gone the previous year. She came home after that week and couldn't stop talking about how much fun she had. I know the camp is for the kids, but all of us volunteers have just as much fun. While the camp may be for children with heart disease, you would never know it. The camp is no different than any other summer camp except for the trained nurses and doctors on hand. The kids do everything from crafts to boating to horseback riding and none of them act like they are sick. They make every moment of that week count because this is something they look forward to all year. I plan to attend next year. And maybe I'll volunteer for more than one week. That's how much fun I had and that's how much I want to help these kids enjoy the week away from home and with other kids just like them.

What an amazing camp. It was professional, inspiring, heartwarming and most of all brilliant fun! Camp Odayin is a hugely important experience for the campers and a very worthwhile volunteering opportunity for the councilors. I traveled from New Zealand to volunteer at Camp Odayin and cherish every minute of it.

Camp Odayin is a wonderful not for profit organization. The organization sponsors events in addition to camp throughout the year for children with heart disease and their families. Many of the kids at camp attend year after year and are certainly considered a part of the "Camp Odayin family". I had an amazing experience at camp as a volunteer because of the wonderful kids and Camp Odayin staff. The camp experience is made possible through donations from individuals and organizations throughout the year. One of the activities at camp that the kids participate in is creating cards for all of the donors. This activity provides the kids with the opportunity to reflect and put into words exactly how much the experience means to them. The kids take this activity very seriously and a lot of the cards created by the girls in my cabin were very touching. All in all the Camp Odayin team includes some of the nicest and most generous people that I know and because of this I will always have a place in my heart for this organization.

This is a great camp to work with! The staff is extremely outgoing and energetic. They work hard at keeping the energy level very high to keep the campers motivated and having fun. The campers are also great kids. I spent three weeks of my summer having a blast with kids and getting to know some great Camp Odayin staff and I loved every minute of it. I'm planning on volunteering with them again next summer and would recommend it to anyone.

Camp Odayin was one of the best experiences of my life. The children are fantastic and the organization/leadership is unbelievable. Nearly every moment you spend there is memorable and rewarding.

Camp Odayin is an outstanding program that provides a camping experience for children with heart disease who might not otherwise be able to particpate in this type of activity. The fact that the camp is so well staffed, both medically and otherwise, is also a huge relief to the parents of these children. The world needs more organizations as loving, caring and giving as Camp Odayin and its staff.

This is one of the best camps in the midwest. It is a camp dedicated to kids with heart disease. The staff and facilities are oustanding and better than any other summmer camp that I have ever worked at. Sincerely Michael G. Earing, MD

I have been a volunteer counselor at Camp Odayin for two summers now. Everything about this experience is FIRST CLASS! The staff is organized and caring. Every detail is thought of and taken care of. The campers (and volunteers) are given a week of outstanding and memorable experiences. Many choose to return year after year. That speaks for itself!

I absolutely loved it!! Camp Odayin gave me a chance to spend a week away from the grind of work and a chance to meet different people from different places. It gave me a chance to have fun and see the world from kids' eyes. I thought the staff of Camp Odayin planned an awesome time for the kids and were very creative with their ideas. I definitely plan on volunteering again in 2009 to spend time with these great people!!

Camp Odayin is a wonderful organization that allows children with heart disease to expierene summer camp. As a councelor I had a wonderful time with my campers! Wonderful, respectful, mature young ladies. Sarah Meslow and the rest of the Camp Odayin staff do an awesome job of letting the volunteers know how much they are appreciated! The application and orientation process befor camp were very easy and organized. During my volunteer experience, I felt like I became part of the Camp Odayin family, and hope to volunteer again next summer! Overall, I highly recommend this experience!!

If you are looking to have some fun and have a totally rewarding experience... Camp Odayin is the camp for you!!! I have spent three summers with Camp Odayin, as a nurse, and I would give it a top notch review! The kids are great and the camp is well organized.