Camp Cruz East (New Mexico) 2009!

July 27, 2009

On July 23 the Arthritis Foundation wrapped up its 2nd Annual Camp Cruz East in Santa Fe, New Mexico.  This year we had 48 kids attend!  Camp Cruz East (New Mexico) is a week where kids with some form of juvenile arthritis are able to have fun, play games, and also connect with other kids just like them.  Throughout the week of camp, kids are able to be around others who completely understand them and can identity with the issues they face.  The ability to know that one is not alone when dealing with a chronic disease while at the same time enjoying the wonders of the outdoors was a tremendous experience for all who attended.
 
Campers learned new skills practicing archery, overcame fears from flying high up in the trees on the "Big Swing", learned to trust others for support on the human spider web, figured out how to strategize and work together on getting across "Acid River", expanded their creativity with arts and crafts, and participated in many more activities...all while building confidence and independence within themselves.
 
We want to give special thanks to our Board Member, Brenda Eidler, who attended camp and participated in lots of the events with the kids.  Last year, 2008, was the first year of Camp Cruz East (New Mexico) and we had just over 30 kids.  A big thank you goes to New Mexico's pediatric rheumatologist Dr. Courtney Johnson as well as support from Abbott and Wyeth.  We also would like to thank Finish Line Youth Foundation and Build-a-Bear Workshop Bear Hugs Foundation.  This year we were able to give many more children the opportunity to experience camp, breathe fresh outdoor air, and bond with other children with juvenile arthritis.
 
Camp Cruz East (New Mexico) as well as our other camps in Arizona would not be possible without generous support as each child receives a scholarship to go to camp.  To help sponsor a child for camp or to contribute to our Juvenile Arthritis Programs, please call 505-867-7430.

Angela McTee, Director of New Mexico said, “I had a kid tell me Arthritis Camp is better than Christmas.  When kids say something like that, you realize, ‘Wow, this really is impacting their lives.’ ”  To read an the article that ran in the Albuquerque Journal North, please click HERE.
 
We look forward to 2010 and having Camp Cruz East once again in the Land of Enchantment!