University of Maryland Children’s Hospital Launches “Upbeat Hearts” Summer Camp

The University of Maryland Children's Hospital (UMCH) is excited to announce "Upbeat Hearts," a summer camp tailored for children with congenital heart conditions. This unique program is scheduled for July 27-28, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, at the picturesque Running Bear Campground in Monkton, MD.

Highlights of the camp include immersion in cardiac health, geared to empower campers to proactively manage their heart conditions. Activities will cover echocardiograms, heart anatomy and emergency response techniques. Patrice Bollock, an advocate for cardiac safety in schools, will provide hands-on CPR training, while former Ravens cheerleader Kori Sullivan will lead a dance-off.

The camp will also feature a visit from medics with Baltimore County Fire Department Station #60; heart-healthy cooking demonstrations; and delicious feasts each day courtesy of Andy Nelson's BBQ and Primo Pasta Kitchen. Classic summer camp activities such as arts and crafts, water games, nature hikes, and dips in the river will round out the experience.

Most campers are patients from UMCH's heart program, renowned for its advanced cardiology and complex infant and child heart surgeries. UMCH is located inside the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), in the heart of downtown Baltimore. UMMC is the flagship hospital of the 11-hospital University of Maryland Medical System.

For many campers, this will be their first time attending summer camp and meeting other children with heart conditions. 8-year old Jasiah Rheubottom is so excited, she's started a "camp countdown" on her phone.

Jasiah was born with a rare heart condition called tetralogy of Fallot, which surgeons at UMCH successfully operated on within days of her birth. Today, she is an active child involved in dance and lacrosse. But there had not previously been a camp that her mother, Natasha Stanley, felt would be suitable.

"When Jasiah's cardiologist at the University of Maryland Children's Hospital suggested the camp, I was intrigued," said Natasha Stanley, Jasiah's mother. "It seemed like a wonderful opportunity for her, especially since she's always wanted to attend summer camp, something I was apprehensive about. Despite my protective instincts, I could see how excited Jasiah was, and now we're both looking forward to camp."

Prior to joining UMCH last year, Thomas Chin, MD, UMCH's Chief of Pediatric Cardiology and the camp's organizer, had stablished a similar camp in Pennsylvania. Seeing the impact such experiences have, including influencing children to keep their adult cardiac health in mind, he was intent on making a similar camp available in Maryland. He is dedicated to helping children transition from pediatric to adult cardiology care, a crucial step for maintaining lifelong heart health.

In addition to treating patients from infants to young adults, Dr. Chin is also a Professor of Pediatric Cardiology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and the newly elected president of the Maryland chapter of the American Heart Association. He is an avid outdoors enthusiast, who has spent many years camping and hiking in Colorado, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and now, Maryland.

"Camp Upbeat Hearts is an experience where courage meets fun—and where a camper's heart isn't just a 'condition,' but a badge of honor. Together, we'll explore the joys of friendship, laughter and the great outdoors," said Dr. Chin.

Steven J. Czinn, MD, Director of the University of Maryland Children's Hospital and the Drs. Rouben and Violet Jiji Endowed Professor and Chair, Department of Pediatrics at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, also welcomed the campers.

"Attending Camp Upbeat Hearts is more than a summer activity; it's a steppingstone towards a lifetime of heart health. I want to commend our campers for dedicating themselves to their well-being in childhood and beyond," Czinn said.

Camp Upbeat Hearts is made possible through generous support from the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, the Krueger Hat Trick Foundation, Andy's BBQ, Primo Pasta Kitchen, Dr. Thomas Chin and the dedicated team at UMCH, and a crew of volunteers with a heart for children.

Media visits to the camp can be coordinated by contacting Stephanie Janard at stephanie.janard@umm.edu or phone: 443-602-6937.