Camp Chihopi
For Pediatric Liver Transplant and Pediatric Intestine Transplant Recipients
Camp Chihopi is a summer transplant camp for children ages 7 through 17 who have received liver transplants and/or intestine transplants. For four days in mid-August,
children participate in a
variety of outdoor activities and have the opportunity to interact
in a non-medical setting with other children who are also
pediatric transplant recipients.
Campers are supervised by health care professionals and community volunteers who have experience working with children and pediatric transplant recipients. Children in each cabin are organized by age and supervised by a senior, junior and assistant counselor. Junior counselors are older transplant recipients, ages 18 through 21. These young adults share their experiences growing up as transplant recipients with the younger campers and are excellent role models for the children.
Where is Camp Chihopi?
Camp Chihopi is held at the Emma Kaufmann Camp, approximately 90 miles south of Pittsburgh
near Morgantown, West Virginia. The camp is surrounded by more than 200 acres of trees and
mountains and has a private cove and beach on Cheat Lake.
Why Do We Have Camp?
The summer camping experience provided through Camp Chihopi is an extension
of the pediatric transplant
process. The children have survived the acute stages
of liver transplantation
and/or intestinal transplantation and are learning to adapt and cope with
medical routines and chronic care. Camp provides an opportunity for these
children to take an additional step toward returning to routine childhood
experiences. Camp Chihopi contributes to the child’s development
of independence and self-esteem, fosters peer relationships, and increases
understanding of their health care experiences.
Come Join the Fun!
There are many exciting summer camping experiences at Camp Chihopi.
Join us for arts and crafts, horseback riding, obstacle course activities, campfires, cookouts,
swimming, tubing, kayaking, boating, volleyball, basketball, archery and soccer. Most importantly,
join us just to be with other kids and have fun!
How Much Does Camp Cost?
Thanks to support from
Merrill Lynch, Mr. and Mrs. John D. O’Brien and other contributors, only a $35
registration fee is required for each camper. Campers meet in the Oakland section of
Pittsburgh and buses transport them to and from Camp Chihopi. Campers and their
families are responsible for transportation to and from Oakland.
Medical Issues and Care
Medication administration and care is provided by registered nurses from Children’s
Hospital of Pittsburgh, and a physician is present at all times. Campers are required to
bring their medications and medical supplies to camp. Although organized medical teaching
sessions are not scheduled, informal discussions related to pediatric transplant issues occur
spontaneously and are facilitated by staff as needed.
Camp Staff
Beverly Kosmach, MSN, CRNP
Director
Kristin Walker, CLS
Activity Director
George Mazariegos,
MD
Medical Director
Our Generous Contributors
Camp Chihopi is made possible through the hard work and generous contributions
of several individuals and organizations. Merrill Lynch is the major benefactor. Other sponsors include:
- Mr. and Mrs. John D. O’Brien
- Ladies Hospital Aid Society of Western Pennsylvania
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute
For additional information please contact:
Beverly Kosmach, Director
Telephone: 412-692-6115
Fax: 412-692-6116
E-mail: beverly.kosmach@chp.edu
