What started with one camp in the United States in 1988, quickly sparked inspiration around the world, including Europe, where today 5 camps operate year-round as a vital part of the Network. The camp idea first reached Europe when Barretstown was founded in Ireland in 1994. Three years later, L’Envol was founded in France. In 2004, Over The Wall in the U.K. became a member of the global Network. And in 2007, Bator Tabor, in Hungary, and Dynamo Camp in Italy both became full members. Through the work of dedicated staff and volunteers, these camps deliver SeriousFun to thousands of children every year from countries throughout Europe and beyond.
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Barretstown
Location: County Kildare, Ireland
Year Opened: 1994
Housed in a fairytale castle in the beautiful foothills of Ireland’s Wicklow Mountains, Barretstown has welcomed children from Ireland and many other European countries. The camp buildings have all of the modern amenities and are fully accessible, while retaining a medieval theme with rough stone walls and high ceilings. The Children’s Village, a collection of cottages, overlooks a secret garden complete with decorated and accessible fairy houses. It’s the perfect setting for a magical camp experience. Barretstown also offers a full range of adventure activities and opportunities for campers and families, including programs in photography, pottery, boating and adventure courses.
Medical Conditions Served: Primarily cancer and hematological conditions. For a full list of medical conditions served, please visit their website.
Bátor Tábor
Location: Hatvan, Hungary
Year Opened: 2007
The only program of its kind in Hungary, people say that Bátor Tábor is a hidden world because it is surrounded by meadows and forests on all sides. Located in Hatvan, near Budapest, the facility is a former pioneer camp that was renovated with close attention to accessibility and meeting the medical and psychological needs of campers. A high-ropes course, rowing lake, archery field, synthetic turf field and indoor sports hall bring a unique and meaningful opportunity to 1,700 children and families in Central Europe each year.
Medical Conditions Served: Hemophilia, diabetes, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and childhood cancer. For a full list of medical conditions served, please visit their website.
Dynamo Camp
Location: Limestre, Italy
Year Opened: 2007
Located in the midst of a World Wildlife Foundation Reserve in the heart of Tuscany, Dynamo Camp is the first camp in Italy for children with serious illnesses. The beautiful, modern facility uses green energy and boasts innovative architecture, including buildings with large windows, a cafeteria, theater, gym, pool and medical center. Bio-architecture and plenty of wood have created an elegant, colorful environment. Climbing, horse riding, music (including a camp radio station), cooking, photography, creative writing, archery, a workshop and nature games allow the 885 children and families served each year to establish new friendships in an atmosphere of enjoyment and emotional support.
Medical Conditions Served: Cancer, diabetes, genetic disorders, hemophilia, HIV and AIDS, and spina bifida. For a full list of medical conditions served, please visit their website.
L’Envol
Location: France
Year Opened: 1997
L’ENVOL, French for “take off,” has served more than 7,000 children from throughout the region since it was first opened in 1997. The camp gained national recognition in 2001 when Paul Newman toured the camp with the former President of France, Jacques Chirac. The programs at L’ENVOL are designed and delivered with specially trained camp staff, who provides 24-hour care and support to each child. All the activities at L’ENVOL embrace the camp motto, “I am capable, I can do it, and I can overcome my fears!”
Medical Conditions Served: Prader Willi Syndrome,
Hematology/Oncology (Leukemia, Oncology, Histiocytosis), Benign Hematologic Disorders (Idiopatic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA) on treatment, Sickle-cell Anemai, Thalassemia, Hemophilia
2013 is a renewal step for L’ENVOL with a new site and new team. Please visit the website.
Over The Wall, United Kingdom
Locations: Bryanston School, North Dorset; Tulliallan Castle, Scotland; Whitemoor Lakes, Staffordshire, Midlands; Dukeshouse Wood Activity Centre, Northumberland
Year Opened: 2004
Over The Wall programs are held at several locations throughout the UK. All camp locations are set on large, countryside properties with well-equipped accommodations, facilities for indoor and outdoor activities, and stunning views. Together, these carefully designed escapes create opportunities for 400 children annually. Whether swimming, catching their first fish, dancing in the sunshine or performing center stage, every moment is one to remember.
Medical Conditions Served: asthma, cancer, diabetes, epilepsy/seizure disorders, gastrointestinal disorder, heart conditions, hemophilia, HIV and AIDS, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, kidney disease, and sickle cell disease. For a full list of medical conditions served, please visit their website.