CareSource donation to Camp Twin Lakes gives youth with complex health care needs an opportunity to attend summer camp

Seventy-two youth with complex health care needs across Georgia were able to do something many other kids their age do in the summer—go to camp. The opportunity came thanks to a $50,000 donation from CareSource to Camp Twin Lakes, a Georgia-based nonprofit that provides year-round, therapeutic recreational programming to youth with serious illnesses, disabilities and adverse childhood experiences.

“Not only does Camp Twin Lakes offer an amazing and enriching experience for campers with complex health needs, it also offers respite to their primary caregivers,” said Adam Klein, director of behavioral health of CareSource Georgia. “Being a caregiver, while fulfilling, can be stressful. For caregivers to function at their best they sometimes need a temporary break from their duties.”

In addition to Camp Twin Lakes providing needed respite for caregivers, it also provides youth with opportunities for personal growth as they work to overcome obstacles and learn new skills that allow them to face their challenges independently. After attending camp in previous years, CareSource-sponsored campers reported growing in self-acceptance (88%), sense of belonging to a community (78%) and confidence (80%).

“Going to summer camp is an experience that every child should be able to have. At Camp Twin Lakes, children with all different types of complex health care needs can have a true camp experience and participate in activities such as zip lines, rock walls and horseback riding,” said Dan Matthews, chief experience officer at Camp Twin Lakes. “Our camp programs are designed to provide campers with opportunities to learn new skills, develop a sense of community and achieve personal growth. We are grateful for CareSource’s support and that more than 70 youth will have the opportunity to experience camp and all it has to offer.”

Camp Twin Lakes subsidizes 70% of the cost of each camper through its Camper Scholarship Program and 72% of campers attend at no cost.

To learn more about Camp Twin Lakes and the programs it offers, visit camptwinlakes.org.