Medical Camps at Camp Tanager

Specialized Camps Create Confidence & Connection

Welcome to Camp Tanager’s Specialized Medical Camps, where children with diabetes or blood disorders experience the joys of camp in a safe, supportive environment. Our programs offer tailored medical supervision, engaging activities, and a community of peers facing similar health challenges.

At Camp Tanager, kids build confidence, learn self-management skills, and create lasting friendships, all while enjoying the adventure of camp life.

Diabetes group

Medical Camps Specialized for Kids!

Each day is filled with a variety of fun group games and activities. Our electives program offered daily allows campers to choose activities that appeal most to them or try something new! Our on site swimming pools give the campers an opportunity to cool off each day with a daily swim session!

hemophilia camp 1

Medical Supervision

24 hour nursing staff and on-site physician’s provide medical oversight during our medical camps.

nature

Connect to Nature

Elective camp programming provides campers with a range of wholesome outdoor camp activities.

Build Character at Camp

Make New Friends

Connect and learn with peers facing the same daily challenge of living with a medical diagnosis

Parents & Kids Agree

Our campers and their caretakers agree attending Camp Tanager is a highlight of their summer break!

Camp Tanager reviews

Diabetes Camp Makes A Difference!

Diabetes Camp gives children with Type 1 diabetes the chance to meet other kids facing the same daily challenges of living with diabetes.

Our 24-hour staff of physicians, nurses and counselors are closely involved with the day to day activities to ensure that all medical needs are being met. This dedicated team gives each child the chance to gain increased self-confidence, build self esteem, and to develop important self-management skills.

Our first priority is the physical and medical safety of our campers while they enjoy a traditional summer camp experience.

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Self-Confidence

  • A 10% increase in campers who are confident to manage their diabetes, with the greatest improvements among the newly diagnosed (16% increase)

Diabetes-Related Stress

  • A 7% decrease in diabetes-related anger
  • A 6% decrease in diabetes-related sadness

Knowledge of Diabetes Management

  • An 11% increase of overall knowledge of proper diabetes management

Diabetes Management

  • A 10% increase in overall ability to self-manage problems related to diabetes management

Bleeding Disorder Camp

During the six-day camp, children with Hemophilia and other bleeding disorders are provided the opportunity to interact with other children living with the challenges of a bleeding disorder. Immersed in a fun, nurturing environment, campers learn firsthand ways to manage their disorder both medically and socially. During the camp session, children will be able to practice valuable skills and learn lifelong lessons in mixing factors, self-infusing, and controlling bleeds.

To attend Hemophilia and Bleeding Disorders Summer Camp, you must be a current member of Bleeding Disorders of the Heartland(BDH). Membership to BDH brings you information, resources, and access to activities that are fun for the whole family. Your family can join other families that make up our vibrant and growing community. By becoming a member of BDH, you and your family will receive the latest news and updates from your community.”

Find Growth, Friendships, & Empowerment

With peers who also have bleeding disorders, campers often make connections for the first time with other children they can talk to on the same level.

“We normalize the experience of being a kid with a bleeding disorder.”

“The kids can finally say, ‘It’s okay for me to be me entirely. Here I’m a part of something really big.”

Hemo camp group 1

Bleeding Disorder Camp Offers Lifelong Benefits

Friends at Camp

Join us for a transformative camp experience where growth, empowerment, and fun come together!

Make Lifelong Connections:

  • Form deep friendships with peers, counselors, and staff.
  • Create a lasting support system that extends beyond camp.

Open to Ages 6-17:

  • Designed for children with Hemophilia or other bleeding disorders.
  • Campers can bring a sibling or guest to share the experience.

Build Personal and Social Skills:

  • Learn to share, cooperate, and make thoughtful decisions.
  • Develop character, citizenship, and leadership.

Understand and Advocate:

  • Gain knowledge about bleeding disorders in a supportive environment.
  • Reach developmental milestones by confidently articulating their condition.
  • Become empowered advocates for the Bleeding Disorder Community.

We’re here to help.

If you (or someone with you) are experiencing a medical emergency, or are in danger, call 911 immediately.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or feeling suicidal, call or text 988 immediately.

Your Life Iowa:                      (Facilitated by Foundation 2)
855-581-8111

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline:
988

General Information:
319-365-9164

Get Involved

Donate

Make a difference for children in your community and help thousands of families with a donation to Tanager.

Volunteer

Learn about our reoccurring or one-time volunteer opportunities and help build a brighter future.