Causes: Camps, Children & Youth, Health, Heart & Circulatory System Diseases & Disorders, Pediatrics, Sports, Youth Development

Mission: Camp Bon Coeur''s mission is to provide a safe summer camp environment in which children with heart defects can grow physically, intellectually, emotionally, and socially while learning lifelong coping skills.

Results: Since 1985, Camp Bon Coeur has changed the lives of thousands of children with congenital heart defects. We have provided them with a typical camp experience that includes art, archery, sports, canoeing, heart class and a great deal more.

Target demographics: Children and adults with congenital heart defects and their families.

Geographic areas served: Lafayette Louisiana for kids across the nation.

Programs:
A summer camping experience is something all children should enjoy. Summer camp is an opportunity for fun, friendships and personal growth. But what summer camp does a child with a congenital heart defect attend? Is there a place where they can enjoy a summer camp experience? Yes!, it is called Camp Bon Coeur or “Camp Good Heart”!!

In 1985, Camp Bon Coeur was created by Lafayette General Medical Center, one of the leading cardiovascular centers in the south, and Mended Hearts, Inc. , a national support group for adults with heart defects, to give children with Congenital Heart Defects a traditional summer camp experience. These kids might not have had the opportunity other kids enjoy due to their health needs. Camp Bon Coeur offers a two-week residential summer program that gives these campers the opportunity to meet other kids from across the country that also bear the scars of growing up with a heart defect. Camp Bon Coeur offers a two-week program that is designed with the cardiac camper in mind. Our campers range in age from 7-16 years old. Session A is for campers ages 7-11 and Session B accommodates 12-16 year olds.

Camp Bon Coeur is accredited by the American Camping Association.