SeriousFun Camps utilize animal-assisted programs to provide a nurturing environment for children with serious illnesses to experience the therapeutic benefits of interacting with animals. Your support will create opportunities for children to build self-esteem and create lasting memories with their families.
Join our friend Billie Jo Davis, Barn Director at Victory Junction, as she shows us around Jesse's Horsepower Garage. Here, you'll find animals like horses, donkeys, llamas, goats, cows, rabbits and more that campers can pet and interact with as well as some fun modifications based on campers' abilities and preferences.
Animal-assisted programs at camp foster self-esteem and confidence in campers, many of whom are withdrawn and afraid to trust due to their serious medical conditions; animals have an uncanny way of drawing them out of their shells and helping them to feel safe and less fearful. Meet some of the animals at SeriousFun camps!
"DEALER"
Dealer is a gentleman but doesn’t mind getting silly every once in a while - one of our favorite moments is when Dealer dressed up as a Rodeo Clown, alongside Dr. Blaze!
"LEMON"
Lemon can't wait to be a therapeutic service dog at Camp Boggy Creek this summer! She'll be coming to camp during cancer session to meet new friends, have some fun, and just be her adorable self!
"GUS GUS"
"INDY"
Indy is a kind and charismatic horse. As a past endurance horse, named after the Indy 500, he is strong, patient, and understanding. Indy and Camp Boggy Creek Camper "Mo" are the best of friends. At camp, Mo said, “I love Indy. He’s so nice to me, so I know he loves me too. I am so glad I came this year and saw Indy.”
Animal-assisted programs contribute to improved emotional well-being, enhanced social skills, and increased resilience among campers. Your support creates positive effects that extend beyond the camp experience, creating a lasting legacy of healing and hope for our campers and their families.
Horses enable children to build emotional connections, fostering trust and confidence through activities like riding sessions, grooming, and feeding. Meet "the herd" at The Painted Turtle.
Dogs provide emotional support and companionship, helping children develop confidence, emotional intelligence, and respect for others. Meet the therapy dogs at Dynamo Camp.
Interactions with animals provide campers comfort, emotional support, and calming moments. View more special camper-animal moments of connection.
The Bechtel Family
Stephen Corman
Joe Cronly
Matthew Denenberg
Diageo
The Durden Family
John Frascotti and Sharon O'Connor
John Forester
Andy and Ember Fry
Kathy A. Brady Wolf Eyes Charitable Fund
Eric Karp and Betsy Weiser
Eileen and Dennis Michael
Jill and Tom Mullen
Priya Narang and Geoffrey Church
Pauline and Maurice Pratt
Resonance Foundation for Children's Health
Clea Newman Soderlund and Kurt Soderlund
Carole Watkins and Craig Woods