CaringBridge Inc. is a charitable 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 1997 which allows people facing various medical conditions and their family and friends to communicate.  CaringBridge is celebrating their 25th anniversary and recently shared the story of an amazing heart family we know and love. The Bushaw family has used the CaringBridge platform to share […] Read more

Elena Westbrook is a former camper, five-year volunteer counselor, and Camp Odayin enthusiast. She is a proud third generation Chicagoan who currently works at a small marketing agency in Chicago’s west loop. When she’s not at Camp Odayin, she’s trying new recipes, diving into Chicago history, and catching up with camp pals old and new. […] Read more

One of the most highly praised aspects of our fall Family Camp weekends is the parent time session on Saturday afternoon. During this time, heart heroes and siblings are engaged in fun activities with Camp Odayin volunteers and visiting instructors and entertainers. Parents have an opportunity to hear from medical professionals, ask questions, and create […] Read more

Did you know…Camp Odayin’s logo is a turtle and we affectionately them Mortimer! Why do you think we have a turtle logo? Here is what a few people think: The Turtle symbolizes longevity, perseverance, steadfastness, protection, retreat, healing, tranquility, the Earth, and transformation.– Kelly Because the turtle shell is very tough and strong…. Just like […] Read more

Angel Flight Central partners with Camp Odayin to provide flight transportation for our campers that otherwise would not be able to attend Residential Camp. These pilots are volunteers who not only fly campers, but they also pay all the related costs to make the flights free of charge.  Together with their small Flight Coordination Team, […] Read more

I was so nervous about sending Ben to overnight camp for the first time.  Another heart mom and I agreed to send our boys to Camp Odayin together.  We reminded each other that the kids were probably safer at camp than they were at home!  We teared up when the bus left, but we knew our […] Read more

On July 21, 2022 we welcomed parents, volunteers, medical professionals and ALL adults that love kids – to join us for a workshop to learn about and celebrate gender diversity. The workshop was designed to establish basic understandings of gender diversity. Through direct presentation, video clips of youth and others talking about gender, and optional […] Read more

Camp Odayin campers are among the 1 in 100 babies born with a congenital heart defect each year. Many of these amazing kids have endured multiple heart surgeries.  Having heart surgery can be traumatic.  Camp Odayin is good medicine to help reduce the mental health risk factors linked to childhood trauma.  We provide: We provide […] Read more

The road is often challenging when navigating life with a heart condition. Campers Miranda, Ashlyn, and Eddie were all awaiting heart transplants when their moms Melanie, Angie, and Chris discovered powerful sources of support, for both themselves and their children, in one another. Below, they each provide a bit of insight into their shared journey… […] Read more