“My son thoroughly enjoyed his first time at camp,” said Vicci from the UK whose 11-year-old son attended Camp Victory for Kids in California. “As soon as we picked him up, Logan said he wanted to go back. He has made some real friends for life.”
This summer, the Marfan Foundation’s two Camp Victory for Kids programs in Georgia and California brought together children and teens for a week of fun, friendship, and empowerment. Georgia set a new attendance record with 30 campers, while California welcomed 23 participants for another memorable season of camp. For the first time, international campers also joined from the United Kingdom and Chile.
“We were worried as we are not from America, but we need not have worried,” Vicci said. “Our son was in really safe hands, well cared for and looked after. I wouldn’t hesitate to send him again.”
These life-changing camps are made possible thanks to the generosity of donors and Foundation supporters, who ensure that every child has the opportunity to participate in a safe, supportive, and enriching environment. Dedicated volunteer counselors, medical volunteers, and Foundation staff were on hand throughout each week to provide supervision, guidance, and care.
“We love Camp Victory! It really is such an invaluable experience for our 16-year-old daughter to not be the only kid requiring accommodations,” said mom Sarah from Ohio. “Arlo has a great support network at home, but there’s nothing like being around other kids with the same challenges. It’s a great week for her to just feel like a ‘normal’ kid.”
Each camp was filled with adventure and discovery: campers enjoyed activities like hiking, archery, swimming, arts & crafts, ziplining, horseback riding, axe throwing, rock wall climbing, boating, fishing, and scavenger hunts. Evenings were just as lively with a night nature experience, karaoke, and board games, a campfire with s’mores, trivia night, a talent show, and a dance party.
“Camp Victory is so much more than the fun activities,” said Andrea Friedman, MSW, director of community programs for the Foundation. “It’s about the friendships made with others who truly get it, meeting counselors who are role models for living with a connective tissue condition, and challenging oneself to go outside one’s comfort zone. To truly understand the magic of Camp Victory, you need to experience it for yourself.”
The Foundation also held Camp Victory for Families in Georgia and California this fall.
For information on 2026 camps or to volunteer to be a counselor, please reach out to afriedman@marfan.org.
Want to help make camp and other key education programs a reality for kids and teens in our community? Donate today at marfan.org/impact Thank you!
Susan Benvenuti is the VP, Integrated Marketing & Communications for The Marfan Foundation. She enjoys getting to know community members and sharing their unique stories. If you would like to share yours, we’d love to hear from you - get started by emailing sbenvenuti@marfan.org.