There is a camp in Eustis located on 232 acres of tall pines and serene lakeshores called Camp Boggy Creek. It’s a camp that has been offering children with serious medical conditions a chance to enjoy many fun activities all free of charge since 1996.

Founded by actor, race car driver and philanthropist Paul Newman and U.S. Army General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, the camp was inspired by the legacy of Jennifer Masi, a South Florida teenager who lost her battle with cancer at the age of 14. Before her passing, Jennifer wrote a poem titled A Dolphin for Her Parents, sparking a movement that united her family, neighbors, and supporters to create a camp for children just like her, children facing difficult medical diagnoses who longed for joy, adventure, and camaraderie.

(Camp Boggy Creek is all about having fun and is a fantastic opportunity for so many.)

Since its opening, Camp Boggy Creek has welcomed more than 90,000 campers and their families, providing them with a medically safe and life-affirming camp experience, completely free of charge. Children between the ages of 7 and 16 who are living with conditions such as cancer, heart disease, epilepsy, spina bifida, sickle cell anemia, and other chronic illnesses attend tailored summer sessions and weekend family retreats designed specifically for their medical needs.

Each week-long camp session offers campers the opportunity to participate in traditional outdoor activities like fishing, archery, horseback riding, and climbing the ropes course, all under the care of a full medical staff and trained volunteers. The experience offers more than just fun, it gives children a rare opportunity to be surrounded by peers who understand their journeys, creating bonds of friendship.

(Campers get to take part in many different activities including archery, arts and crafts and swimming among others.)

While laughter and adventure fill each day, safety and medical oversight remain central to the camp’s operations. On-site medical staff work seamlessly with activity leaders to ensure that each camper’s experience is both fun and safe.

Camp Boggy Creek is part of the SeriousFun Children’s Network, a global family of camps founded by Newman for children with serious illnesses. Its mission continues thanks to the generous support of donors, volunteers, and community partners.

(Photo Credit – Camp Boggy Creek.)

Camp never costs a dime for any child or family. Contributions from individuals and organizations help ensure that the magic of camp is available to more families each year. If you know someone who would benefit from Camp Boggy Creek be sure to visit their website here: