Overview

The South Fulton Running Partners are proud to have supported Camp New Hope over the years through funds raised by the Sickle Cell Road Race.  Camp New Hope is a six-day summer camp program specifically intended for children with Sickle Cell Disease ages 6-17 years.  The children come together to participate in interactive learning experiences and just plain fun in a medically supervised camping environment.

Objective

Camp New Hope was developed by the  Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia Inc. (SCFG) in order to provide a recreational as well as education outlet for children who have sickle cell disease.  The SCFG has always sought to provide visions of hope by using counselors who have Sickle Cell Disease and are succeeding in life.  Specific objectives for each camp are established to enhance the children’s coping-skills and their over-all quality of life.  Other objectives include exposing the participants to cultural entities, spiritual growth and a greater awareness for and appreciation of nature.   Over 160 children plus more than 20 adult patients are benefited by the annual event.  An additional 20 support staff work diligently in the planning, development and implementation of this extravaganza.  One of the residuals of the camp is the bonding of each child (Lil’ Bro./Lil’ Sis) with an adult counselor (Big Bro./ Big Sis.).  This relationship continues throughout the year. 

History

From the beginning the growth and development of the summer program for sickle cell children, the name and impetus has gradually evolved.  The year 1977 marked the inception of what was called the Sickle Cell Retreat.  From 1977 to 1991, the SCFG had 12 retreats, which exposed the children to different environmental settings.  After four years of collaborative research, study, planning and development, a campsite named Camp Twin Lakes was built in Rutledge, Georgia.  This became the home for nine different organizations that serve children with various needs. Camp Twin Lakes was officially opened in the spring of 1993.  Camp Twin Lakes has the capacity to serve over 385 campers.  In 1993 the name of the Sickle Cell Summer Retreat was changed to Camp New Hope as a show of unity between the groups that designed and utilize Camp Twin Lakes.  The name of the camp was chosen by Campers who attended camp in 1993.  The name chosen reflects the hope that they have for a better tomorrow.

Activities

- Camp facilities include two lakes for boating and canoeing

- Miles of safe nature trails in wooded areas

- Designated campfire areas, and horseback riding

- Indoor basketball courts, golf and tennis courts, and archery

- Swimming pool with certified lifeguards at all times

- Full kitchen and dining facilities, ceramics building, media center,     

  arts and crafts

- Talent Show, Campfire songs, Group Initiative Activities

- Well-maintained 11 bed air-conditioned cabins (wheelchair

   accessible)

How You Can Help

Volunteer your time!  The camp has a strong need for volunteer support. Camp New Hope needs doctors and nurses.  Camp Counselors/Coaches are wanted to stay the full camp time, overnight with the kids.  For further information contact the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia Inc. or call 404-755-1641