In a perfect world, no child would ever be sick. But the truth is, children do become ill and sometimes that means spending time in a hospital. The hospital stay, along with painful tests and invasive procedures, can take its toll on a child. That’s why the Huntsville Hospital Foundation is pleased to announce the opening of Kids Kamp, a new Pediatric play garden at Huntsville Hospital for Women & Children.
This garden is an inspiring story of kids helping kids. It started in 2004, when two Huntsville seventh graders, Farrell Robinson and Sam Robinson, organized a group of area students with a mission to raise funds to build a Pediatric play garden at Huntsville Hospital for Women & Children. They formed a committee of children called “Pocket Change for Peds,” made up of 33 students representing 19 elementary and middle schools in Huntsville and Madison County. These children held fundraisers such as car washes, pancake breakfasts and penny drives in their schools. They eventually raised more than $100,000 for the project in just three years! Thanks to their drive and determination, Kids Kamp is now a reality!
Kids Kamp gives pediatric patients of Huntsville Hospital for Women & Children an escape from the real, and sometimes frightening, world of needles and medications. The outdoor area offers children the fresh air they can’t get within the hospital walls. Kids Kamp welcomes children into a fantasy-like camp setting, complete with a bright, colorful mural and a charming rock garden. The play area also offers playground equipment, playhouses for the children to engage in a game of “let’s pretend” and benches for parents to relax and watch their children.
Kids Kamp is a special gift from children to children and comes with the hope of bringing happiness and health to the sick and injured children of north Alabama. Huntsville Hospital thanks Farrell, Sam and the “Pocket Change for Peds” committee for their hard work, enthusiasm and community spirit.
