Dialysis Clinic, Inc.

Camp Okawehna Information

Founded in 1974, Camp Okawehna is a week long summer experience, during the first week of June, for critically ill children suffering from kidney disease. Children who have had a kidney transplant as well as those children on hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis are welcomed at our camp. Children between the ages of 6 to 18 years of age are eligible to attend camp. Camp "O" is the only kidney camp located in the state of Tennessee.

The camp, located on the grounds of the Cedar Crest Campground, about 50 miles west of Downtown Nashville, provides families with a break from the emotional, physical, and financial strain of a chronic illness. We focus on the critically ill child who needs to have fun and be in the company of other children suffering from the same diseases. During the week at Camp Okawehna everything is provided, from accommodations, food, non-stop fun-filled activities and on-site medical facilities. A full service hemodialysis facility is constructed on site to provide dialysis three times during the week of camp. Every effort is made to accommodate individuals with special needs, including those who are hearing or visually impaired, those with rigid dietary requirements, or individuals in wheelchairs. Cedar Crest Camp is wheelchair accessible and transportation is provided by the shuttle bus.

During the first few years of camp, about a dozen or so children attended the camp. Over the years, Camp Okawehna has steadily grown. What once started out as a family of friends has now turned into one of the largest kidney camps in the country.

From the beginning, three individuals have been responsible for the success of Camp Okawehna. Dr. H. Keith Johnson and his wife, Nancy, are instrumental in making camp what it is today. While at Vanderbilt, Dr. Johnson was fortunate enough to work with Dr. Robert C. MacDonell, Jr. Through the vision of Dr. MacDonell, the idea of Camp Okawehna was formed. Camp "O" has steadily grown over the last quarter century, the first year of camp saw 15 campers and 10 staff. Today, over 110 campers and 80 volunteer staff converge on camp every year.

We invite you to take a look and read about Camp Okawehna. We strive to provide a normal camp experience for children suffering from renal failure. Over the years, it has been our experience that our campers have enjoyed camp for various reasons. We invite you to read about some past experiences as well as observe what exactly we do at camp each year.

Contact Information

For more information or questions please contact:

Camp Okawehna
1633 Church Street, Suite 500
Nashville, TN 37203
Phone: 615-342-0445
Fax: 615-329-2513
Email: mark.schwartz@dciinc.org

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