What is Camp Mountain Heart?

Camp Mountain Heart is a free, weeklong camp for children, ages 8-18, with cardiovascular disease. The Camp strives to offer campers the opportunity to share their experiences with other children with similar conditions. Many of these children have endured multiple medical procedures and may feel a sense of isolation from their peers. This Camp allows these children, many of whom have never been away from home, the opportunity to communicate freely with others with the same experiences.

The Camp Director, Shannon Rudy, is a Nurse Manager at West Virginia University Hospital.  She is joined each year by a number of experienced counselors including other hospital staff, parents of former campers, former campers and community members.  Dr. Larry Rhodes, a Pediatric Cardiologist at West Virginia University Hospital, has been a counselor since 1996. These counselors are instrumental in providing a safe and secure environment in which the campers can relax and truly enjoy themselves!