8-05-2024 4:04am

MONKTON HOSTS

Over the weekend, the University of Maryland Children's Hospital hosted its first-ever Upbeat Hearts camp. The hospital says that many of their campers underwent open-heart surgery within days of being born and have gone through additional surgeries since.

Check out the joy at the University of Maryland Children's Hospital's first "Upbeat Hearts Camp" These brave campers, many of whom had open-heart surgery shortly after birth, enjoyed classic camp activities like water games, hiking, a dance-off with former Ravens cheerleader Kori Sullivan, CPR training, arts and crafts, and delicious treats.

Activities were held at Camp Running Bear in Monkton, Maryland. It featured water games, hiking, dancing, arts and crafts and of course, yummy food.

Founded by Dr. Thomas Chin, Co-Director of the Children's Heart Program at UMCH and Head of Pediatric Cardiology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, and supported by our pediatric cardiology team, the camp also received generous donations from the Krueger Hat Trick Foundation, creating a fantastic experience for all campers!For more on our Children's Heart Program: https://www.umms.org/chil.../health-services/pediatric-heart

Camps Running Bear and Dancing Bear are on 228 beautiful acres of natural settings on the Gunpowder River and Deer Creek, only 10 minutes north of Hunt Valley, MD. The land is part of the Gunpowder Valley Conservancy. The land has been used for years to provide recreational opportunities for young people, churches, Boy Scouts, and Girl Scouts. In addition, groups of families, corporate, church, and youth groups are encouraged to enjoy the camp. Our original investment in 2008 was 1,000,000 and over 100,000 additional funds have been added since modernizing the dining hall with major improvements each year to additional buildings.

The Camps are a great work in progress and our goal is to provide an exceptional experience for your groups any time of the year. Towson University has held classes and conducted graduate research at the camps. Scout groups have undertaken very important projects to improve the site for all who come to enjoy it. Several (over 30) Eagle Scout Projects have been accomplished as well as a handful of Girl Scout Gold Projects on the property, providing enriching and exciting experiences for campers.

For nine years, going on ten in 2024, Camp Open Arms has held their one-week camp in August for children with limb differences at Camp Running Bear. This unique camp, headed by Dr. Josh Abzug from the University of Maryland Medical System, provides children of all school ages with an unparalleled experience in nature.

At Camps Running Bear and Dancing Bear, we offer public group rentals, not daily campsites (no hook ups). We are happy to host your next get-together– small or large. (a minimum of ten people for camping or payment equivalent)

From a family getaway or reunion to elaborate festivals, we welcome all event types and would love to be the backdrop for your memorable moments.

New for 2024: Anyone interested in starting a new summer camp for youth is encouraged to contact Al Henneman, owner, at 443-255-3821.