Photo courtesy of Camp Taylor
Blending creativity and emotional healing in a medically supervised environment.
Camp Taylor, a Central California camp dedicated to children with congenital heart disease (CHD), introduced a new series of art therapy classes aimed at supporting pediatric cardiac patients and their families. With funding from the KDA Creative Corps, the camp expanded its offerings to include creative sessions designed to help children understand their medical conditions while promoting emotional and psychological healing. The initiative, part of the camp’s ongoing mission to provide medically supervised programs for children with CHD, focused on using art as a tool for empowerment and well-being.
CHD, the most common birth defect in the world, affects more than 40,000 newborns annually in the United States. As medical advancements increase survival rates, children with CHD often face psychological and emotional hurdles. Camp Taylor’s programs, which blend heart health education with traditional camp activities, aim to address these challenges. This year’s art classes expanded on that approach, offering sessions in 3D heart modeling, heart-themed journaling, therapeutic clay molding and painting.
The new art initiative was carefully designed to engage pediatric cardiac patients in creative activities that also deepen their understanding of their condition. For instance, campers participating in the 3D printing sessions were able to create anatomical models of human hearts, giving them a tangible connection to their own health. Other classes focused on art as a therapeutic tool, using cartoon strips and clay modeling to help campers process their experiences with congenital heart disease.
The camp also extends its support to families. Recognizing that CHD affects not just the patients but their loved ones, Camp Taylor provides activities that include the entire family. This year’s art program offered an opportunity for families to bond and explore their creativity together, helping them find strength in shared experiences.
Photos courtesy of Camp Taylor
For many of the campers, the chance to participate in these creative sessions was transformative. Through the process of making art, they were able to confront their fears and anxieties in a supportive environment. The art studio became a space for self-expression and emotional release, where campers could not only develop their artistic skills but also gain a sense of empowerment and control over their condition.
Camp Taylor’s approach to healing is grounded in the belief that children born with congenital heart defects often miss out on the carefree experiences of childhood. The camp provides a safe and medically supervised environment where children can enjoy recreational activities like swimming, horseback riding and archery, while also receiving vital heart health education and emotional support. The new art program, with its focus on creativity and self-expression, complements these activities and reinforces the camp’s broader mission.
While the KDACC grant cycle has come to a close,Camp Taylor continues to look ahead, determined to expand its offerings and reach more families in need. With the support of KDA Creative Corps, the camp found new ways to engage its campers, helping them not only survive but thrive. For these children and their families, Camp Taylor remains a beacon of hope, a place where they can find joy, strength and healing amid their medical challenges.
About the Organization: Camp Taylor
Founded in 2002, Camp Taylor is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing medically supervised programs for children with congenital heart disease (CHD) and their families. Located in Central California, the camp offers a unique blend of recreational activities, heart health education and emotional support in a safe environment. Camp Taylor’s mission is to empower children with CHD to overcome the challenges associated with their condition, fostering self-esteem, resilience and community. Through its life-changing camps and year-round initiatives, Camp Taylor supports the health and well-being of CHD patients, ensuring that no child or family faces their heart health journey alone.
