New Jersey Wave

Tuesday June 23, 2020 - Friday June 26, 2020

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church

7004 Ridge Avenue

Egg Harbor, NJ 08234

Voorhees Pediatric Facility

1304 Laurel Oak Rd

Voorhees, NJ 08043

What is New Jersey Wave?

Wave is a summer camp for children who have medical needs, sponsored by Voorhees Pediatric Facility and funded by New Jersey Pediatric Patient Charitable Trust Fund.  WAVE is a free camp for children who have medical needs such as the need for medical ventilation, trachs, feeding tubes, or help with daily care. The aim of the program is to allow children with medically complex needs to experience what many New Jersey kids enjoy at the shore,  the beach, boardwalk, arcade, picnics, damp fires, crafts and hanging out with  friends.

Where?

The community center of Holy Trinity Greek Orthoodox Church, in Egg Harbor Township.  This is located about 10 miles from Ocean City.  The camp is not affiliated with any religious organization, but merely uses the spacious and accessible facility.

Who?

Children 8 to 18 or still in school, who are cognitively functioning within 2 years of their age level.  Children will spend most of their day involved in activities, so each child should be able to tolerate spending time outdoors (within reason) and spending the day in his/her wheelchair if one is used.  Hospital beds will be present at bedtime.

Medical Care

We have very experienced nurses, respiratory therapists, and doctors, including a pediatric pulmonologist at the camp. Staff is provided 24 hr/day.  Any child with a stable medical condition will be considered, such as children with neuromuscular disease, lung disease, hearing or visual impairment etc.  Our typical campers have consisted of children with trachs, ventilators, wheelchairs, BiPap, feeding tubes, or complicated and spasticity management routines.  However, we have also had children who only need help with positioning and tube feeds.  All are welcome, and we aim to tailor our activities to try to let each child have fun.

Our Mission

New Jersey WAVE was created to facilitate new friendships among children with specialized medical needs, enhance their group interactions, and promote networking with role models.  Children have the opportunity to participate in exciting outdoor activities such as the boardwalk, beach, boating, and the zoo.