Camp recap, August 2026

August 10, 2026

There are several camps affiliated with the Department of Pediatrics, run predominantly by faculty. Two such examples are represented below, but additional camps include Camp Ailihpomeh (external link) in the Division of Hematology and Lupus Kids Camp in the Division of Rheumatology. The Department is proud to feature these efforts that give children with health constraints access to a summer camp experience and a chance for their physicians to get to know their patients outside the clinical space.

Camp PHEver

Medical Genetics

Department of Pediatrics Camp Co-Directors Kate Richardson, MS, CGC; Megan Morand, MS, CGC; and Ava Henson, MS, CGC

Collage of campers having fun at Camp PHEver

Camp PHEver had another successful camp year! They welcomed 80 campers and 35 staff. After 29 years at Camp for All in Burton, Texas, Camp PHEver will be moving to the new Camp for All location in Chappell Hill, TX, for 2027. Additionally, the camp will take place July 18-23, 2027, moving away from the July 4 weekend.

Kidney Kamp Shining Stars

Nephrology and Hypertension

Department of Pediatrics Camp Director Joshua Samuels, MD

Collage of medical students enjoying Kidney Kamp activities

Special thanks to Sherly Chen, MD, (center photo) and Dr. Samuels (dressed as Mario on left) for hosting a field trip for some Summer Research Program participants to Camp for All during Kidney Kamp.

Camp Shining Stars had a record 25 McGovern Medical School students serve as counselors this year:

  • 14 MS3s during their core pediatric clerkship
  • One MS2
  • 10 MS4s

Despite some rain delays, the group had a wonderful time with this year’s outer space theme.

Camp Shining Stars 2026 slideshow (external link)

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