Camp Jeremy
Camp Jeremy is a week-long day camp in Blue Bell, PA that offers children who have undergone a life-saving organ transplant an opportunity to make friends with other young recipients.
For the past six summers, children who received a life-saving transplant were able to experience a week of camp at Mermaid Country Day Camp thanks to the Clemens family and Ross Grieve, camp director. Transplant Recipients and a sibling from the ages of 6-16 are welcome to come for the week. Please read the information below and request an application if you are interested.
Use the FAQ below to answer any questions about Camp Jeremy that you have.
We are also currently accepting outside sponsorships.
For more information, contact Lori Ray via e-mail or phone, 215-557-8090, ext. 1152.
Camp Jeremy offers an opportunity for transplant recipients between the ages of 6 and 16 to participate in a wide range of activities including: swimming, arts & crafts, nature study, archery, athletics, tennis, beach volleyball, music, group games, and more free of charge. New this year: thanks to a generous grant from the Hearts and Smiles Foundation, campers will be able to bring a sibling to accompany them.
Camp Jeremy is held at Mermaid Country Day Camp (MCDC), which is located at Mermaid Lake, Inc., a 65-acre recreation complex in Blue Bell, PA. MCDC provides day camp programs throughout the summer to children between 4 and 16 years old. This year, Camp Jeremy begins on Monday, July 19, 2010 and ends on Friday, July 23, 2010. Camp Jeremy begins at 8:45am each morning and ends at 4:15pm each afternoon.
Zoom+ L-R: Priscilla, Gabe, Oni, Mike, and Matthew, Camp Jeremy 2009
The idea for Camp Jeremy was inspired by Jeremy Clemens, who received a heart transplant at age eight, and worked as a Mermaid Country Day Camp counselor for several years. His family wishes to continue Jeremy's tradition of having transplant recipients enjoy a week at camp.
The camp facilities include a 70 X 30 meter swimming pool with a water slide, a wading pool, tennis courts, 9 hole, par 3 golf course, 18 hole miniature golf course, 3 basketball courts, 4 baseball/ softball fields, 5 multi-purpose athletic fields, 3 Newcomb / Volleyball Courts, Putting Green, Street Hockey Court, Tetherball Courts, Archery Range, Ceramics Studio, Ropes Course, Climbing Wall, Playgrounds, Game Room, Jewelry Studio, Arts and Crafts Pavilion, Indoor space for rainy day.
How do I apply?
Please contact Lori Ray: lray@donors1.org or (215) 557-8090 ext. 1152 for an application and medical waiver.
Who is allowed to attend the camp?
Any transplant recipient between the ages of 6 and 17 and an accompanying sibling.
How will my child get to camp every day?
You can drop and pick up your child every day at the camp in Blue Bell, PA or there will be transportation provided from two different pick up locations for the week. The first pick up location is at A.I. duPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington, Delaware and the second is at Gift of Life Donor Program in Philadelphia, PA. The camp will be providing shuttle buses and will pick up and drop off the children at these locations. * Families will be contacted the week before camp with exact pick-up and drop-off times (between 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. and 5:00-5:30 p.m.)
Zoom+ Matthew and Mike on the water slide, Camp Jeremy 2009
Is there a nurse at the day camp?
Yes, there is a registered nurse that will be able to attend to the kids at anytime during the entire week of the camp. The nurse will make a phone call before the camp begins to review and health concerns, dietary needs, etc.
What does my child need to bring for the camp?
Lunch is provided at the day camp as well as an afternoon snack, but if you would like your child to have an extra snack, etc., please pack that in your child's bag. The children always have access to water and there is also a snack bar at the pool where they can purchase additional food. Also, if they are able to swim, please pack a swimsuit and towel for your child and clothes for outdoor activities (i.e. sneakers, socks, shorts, t-shirt, suntan lotion, etc.).
Events & Meetings 
