Camp heartland children to visit

A group of children representing Camp Heartland, the nation’s largest camp for children affected by HIV/AIDS, will be visiting next week to share their stories about living with a life-threatening illness.

The event will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 23, in Memorial Union. The event is free, but donations will be accepted. Camp Heartland was founded by UW–Madison alumnus Neil Willenson.

As part of the “Journey of Hope” tour, campers will discuss the struggle of living with the disease and going public in their communities, as well as their hopes for the future.

Camp Heartland is a Milwaukee-based summer camp and life-enhancement program for children who have HIV/AIDS, live with a parent or sibling who is infected, or who have lost a close family member to the disease. Children pay nothing to go to the camp, which is located on 80 acres in Willow Lake, Minn. The goal is for affected children to have fun with their peers and feel complete acceptance and support.

“Journey of Hope” is one of the ways that Camp Heartland is involved in educating the public about the AIDS epidemic and, specifically, how it is affecting the lives of children in the United States. This year, the program is marking its 10th anniversary.

Because year-round support for one child costs $3,000, Camp Heartland accepts donations. Currently, 400 children attend Camp Heartland each summer, and 200 more children are on the waiting list.

The “Journey of Hope” tour stop is sponsored by Students for Camp Heartland, a student organization that concentrates on fund raising, HIV/AIDS education and community outreach. The event is co-sponsored by Associated Students of Madison and University Health Services.