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,
we 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, I
decided to jump in with both feet and no experience.
After securing a camp facility, the next several
months were spend buried in paperwork and research.my
favorite way to spend my free time. I got the
commitment of some friends across the country
who were willing to help me direct the camp and
counsel the children. Even up to the day before
we were not sure that this would really come to
be. But on August 18, 2001 children actually
arrived at the first annual session of Camp Hot-to-Clot.
(The name of the camp is another interesting story.
While driving to the Annual Aventis Behring plant
tour and hemophilia walk, Don came up with the
name. With laptop engaged, not one to waste any
free time, we were working on scheduling and laying
out regulations, and the name popped into Don's
head. Since that day we have gotten many great
comments on the name and how members of the community
like it.) Sorry for the side line comments, back
to the story.
Our first session
of camp was underway. We had 12 children from
Northwestern and Southwestern Pennsylvania, who
were willing to be our campers. We would also
like to thank the brave parents who entrusted
their children with us. This first year was testament
to the strength and fortitude of the bleeding
disorders community. We had a wonderful week
full of games, learning experiences and gelling
into a family.
Our camp has tripled
in attendance since then and this year we hope
that it grows even more. We have moved the camp
from Erie, Pa to Wexford, Pa. The reason for
this move was to make it more convenient for the
community, since the bulk of members live in Southwestern
PA. The Woodlands is the site of our bleeding
disorders camp. In the 1970's a camp for boys
with hemophilia was held at Camp Variety. Camp
Variety is now owned by the Woodlands Foundation.
We were excited that we could come back to the
original site. I am one to preserve history and
it seemed appropriate that our children and adolescents
be able to camp on this site which is so full
of memories and experiences of our former generations
of members of the bleeding disorders community
in Western PA.
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.
History written by Jackie Lucas
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