(CBS DETROIT) – Located in Pinckney, North Star Reach is a camp for children with serious health challenges and their families.
The fully accessible camp aims to offer the classic summer camp experience to each child, regardless of condition, at no cost.
“We want our kids and our families to feel like they have some choices in the world, because oftentimes, this population, everyone tells them what to do — especially in medical care,” said camp director Patrick Smith.
Doctors and nurses volunteer their time to staff the camp when it’s in session.
“It just makes my heart so full to be able to be with these kids and just see the joy on their face every day to be welcomed with, ‘The nurses are here!’ in the morning — it just makes your heart shine,” said nurse Lindsey Prentice.
Its medical center has all the necessary lifesaving equipment as a hospital, so even children with complex needs can have an experience like anyone else.