History of Camp
Hot-to-Clot
In February 2001, while on a trip across the country
by train, a dream was born. While visiting some
friends in Seattle, Jackie and Don Paul Lucas
from Erie, PA, discussed the possibility of holding
summer camp program in Western PA, for children
affected by bleeding disorders. At the time it
seemed like an insurmountable task. But as always,
Jackie and Don Paul decided to jump in with both
feet.
They realized they needed a name for their camp
and on another road trip for yet another hemophilia
event, Don Paul came up with the name, Camp Hot
to Clot. Don Paul’s sense of humor still
shines in the name of this wonderful camp! Since
that day, our camp has received many great comments
on our creative name and how the members of the
community liked it!
After securing a camp facility, the next several
months were spent buried in paperwork and research.
They received a commitment of some friends across
the country who were willing to help direct the
camp and counsel the children. Months were spent
working on scheduling and laying out camp regulations.
On August 18, 2001, the first campers actually
arrived at the first annual session of Camp Hot-to-Clot.
The first session of camp was underway. There
were 12 children from Northwestern and Southwestern
Pennsylvania, who were willing to be the first
campers. Jackie would like to thank the brave
parents who entrusted their children with them
back then. The first year was testament to the
strength and fortitude of the bleeding disorders
community. They had a wonderful week full of games,
learning experiences and gelling into a family.
Since that time, Camp Hot to Clot has grown in
ways we could not have imagined. We now have approximately
100 campers, over 30 staff, and have moved to
a professional YMCA Camp in Fombell, PA just outside
of Pittsburgh. Our medical staff has grown from
a wonderful ER nurse, to 1 specialized Nurse from
the Hemophilia Center of Western PA, and 2 additional
homecare trained nurses, 1 specialized Physical
Therapist from the Hemophilia Center of Western
PA, and 1 specialized Social Worker from the Hemophilia
Center of Western PA. Over the years, camp has
moved several times from Camp Judson, a small
Baptist camp on the shores of Lake Erie, to a
beautiful spot in Wexford, Pa, called The Woodlands,
and then back to Camp Judson. In 2008, due to
the growth of our camp (we simply outgrew our
camp site by the lake!) we searched for a camp
closer to Pittsburgh. If we had to move anyway,
we wanted to make it more convenient for the community,
since the bulk of campers and medical staff live
in Southwestern PA.
Our new camp site is the YMCA Camp Kon-O-Kwee
camp. At Camp Kon-O-Kwee, every day is an adventure,
packed with hiking, canoeing, swimming and archery.
Kids go ‘creekin’ for crayfish and
salamanders; learn fire-building, outdoor cooking,
knot tying and rope climbing; sing and tell stories
around campfires. They grow more confident and
independent with each day. Located on 500 acres
of fields and woodlands along the Connequenessing
Creek, Camp Kon-O-Kwee has been owned and operated
by the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh since 1926,
and is accredited by the American Camp Association.
Just 30 miles north of Pittsburgh, Camp Kon-O-Kwee
offers an experience our campers will cherish
forever.
We are excited about the cooperation and support
we receive from The Hemophilia Center of Western
PA and the Western PA Chapter of the NHF, as well
as that of the numerous manufacturers and homecare
companies who support us financially and with
manpower to staff the camp.
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