Camp Hot to Clot

Who Can Attend Camp?

Camp Facility

History of the Camp


Who can attend Camp Hot-to-Clot?

- Boys and girls ages 7 - 17
- Boys with hemophilia
- Boys and girls with von Willebrand Disease
- Siblings of boys and girls with bleeding disorders
- Children of persons with bleeding disorders

We also offer a “Leader In Training” program for boys and girls ages 15-18, who show leadership qualities and interest in the program.


Camp Facility

In 2009, Camp Hot-to-Clot was held at Camp Kon-O-Kwee (a YMCA camp), in Fombell, PA.



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.

 

 
Educational Events
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  Informational Mailings
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  Provide Emergency
Financial Assistance
  Sponsor Research to Cure Bleeding Disorders
  Public Awareness
  Advocate for Blood Safety
Organizations for
Bleeding Disorders
  General Health Organizations
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