A new camp in Ohio for chronically ill children is scheduled to open in 2008. Flying Horse Farms in Mount Gilead, Ohio, 45 miles north of Columbus, is situated on 167 acres of rolling hills, woods and wetlands. It will offer children with a range of chronic health conditions, from cancer and HIV to cystic fibrosis and hemophilia, the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities, such as hiking, swimming, boating and horseback riding, along with arts and crafts. The facilities will include a state-of-the-art medical center providing 24-hour supervision.  The plans estimate the cost of building the camp at approximately $25 million.

The project is being funded by grants and donations – $3.7 million has already been raised – including a $75,000 endowment from Paul Newman’s Association of Hole-in-the-Wall Camps to support fund-raising activities and board development.

“Take them to camp where they're encouraged to push themselves, and they gain a new confidence in themselves that they couldn't gain any other way,” said Gerard Boyle, MD, a member of the Flying Horse Farms medical advisory board and a pediatric cardiologist at the Cleveland Clinic. “The confidence absolutely lasts throughout their lives.”     

Flying Horse Farms anticipates serving up to 2,500 children and families yearly free of charge.

Source: The Plain Dealer, October 2, 2006