Camp Independence
Camp Independence
Camp Independence
Camp Independence is a week-long summer camp for kids ages 8 to 18. Founded in 1976 by the National Kidney Foundation, Camp Independence is a place where our patients can get outside, play, learn and make friends with kids who understand what it's like to live with kidney disease or an organ transplant. Made possible through the generous support of our donors, Camp Independence is offered at no cost to our campers. Our camps rely on donor support and every dollar counts.
Volunteers are essential to our camps. Many Children's employees and other community volunteers give their time and talents to ensure that our campers have a safe and memorable experience. With a dedicated team of medical professionals, cabin counselors and other support staff, parents can rest assured that their child is in good hands. Our licensed medical professionals provide around-the-clock, on-site medical care the entire week of camp. Campers must be up-to-date with all current labs and clinic visits to be eligible to attend. The medical team will review all applications before granting final approval.
Please review our camper eligibility criteria below. The camper acceptance guidelines are intended to help you determine if you should submit an application for your child to attend Camp Independence. If you would like to discuss your child's eligibility for camp, email us at campindependence@choa.org or call 404-785-4247.
Apply Now
Applications for camp will open end of January.
Learn more and and find additional resources for campers and volunteers:
When
Sunday, July 12 - Friday, July 17, 2026
Location
Camp Twin Lakes- Rutledge West
1391 Keencheefoonee Rd, Rutledge, GA 30663
Contact Us
Please contact campindependence@choa.org or 404-785-4247 for more information.
Camp Independence is a weeklong summer camp experience for Children's Healthcare of Atlanta patients, ages 8 to 18, who have been diagnosed with kidney disease, are on dialysis or have received an organ transplant. These guidelines are intended to help you as a parent determine if you should submit an application. Applications will be reviewed for medical eligibility, any safety concerns, and ultimately the camp staff's ability to manage your child's care in a camp setting.
In order to have an application reviewed by our medical team, the child must meet the following requirements:
- The child's primary health issue is kidney disease and/or transplant
- The child has knowledge of their disease and/or transplant
- The child is seen by a transplant doctor and/or nephrologist at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta on a regular basis
- The childis either on a pre- or post-transplant medication, dialysis, or has had a surgical intervention
Please note: We cannot accomodate uncontrolled seizures, DKA, long-term infusions, pre-transplant hepatology patients or TPN dependent patients waiting on transplant at this time.
Additionally, the child must be able to:
- Meet their personal needs independently or with minimal assistance (eating, showering, getting dressed, going to the bathroom, and maintaining personal hygiene)
- Participate and effectively interact in a group living environment and in group activities
- Demonstrate nonviolent behavior
Please note: Our staff is unable to provide one-on-one care for campers at this time. If the child has any other illnesses, disabilities (physical or developmental), diseases or receives mental health services, the Camp Independence medical team will review that information on an individual basis and determine if Camp Independence is an appropriate fit for the child.