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 and 18 years 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 -- 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 those in wheelchairs. Cedar Crest Camp is wheelchair accessible and transportation around the camp site is provided by the shuttle bus.

During the first few years of camp, about a dozen or so children attended. 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 strive to provide a normal camp experience for children suffering from renal failure. Our campers continue to enjoy camp for various reasons. Take a look at the camp photos and read about the camp experience to see why campers from across the country converge in Middle Tennessee each year in June.

Contact Information

For more information, please contact:

Andy Parker
Camp Okawehna
1633 Church Street, Suite 500
Nashville, TN 37203
Phone: (615) 327-3061
Fax: (605) 341-8814
Email: CampO@dciinc.org