Too many children who are seriously ill, have a chronic disease, or have a disability never go on vacation. How can they gain access to sports, laughter and games, like everyone else? Since 1994, Fondation de France has been supporting adapted holidays for these children in vacation centers.
A welcome break from the anxiety of illness
Many young people with illnesses or disabilities have specific needs that make it impossible to leave their family home.
Every year, the Cap au Vert (Next Stop: Nature) program funds specially adapted sports camps with specific medical support. Activities include sports like climbing, archery, hiking and skiing. These camps welcome both able-bodied children and youngsters with illnesses or disabilities. Children are integrated into activities according to their abilities, and everyone shares the magic moments of everyday life.
Thanks to this program, young people suffering from serious diseases in remission, like cancer, or chronic illnesses like diabetes or cystic fibrosis, or living with disabilities can:
- overcome their limitations, see themselves differently and show their parents and friends what they are capable of;
- develop more independence in managing their illness on a daily basis, in a welcoming, safe environment with medical support;
- change the way people view serious illness and foster the acceptance of differences.
Fondation de France has established a partnership with UCPA (a French non-profit that organizes holidays for young people), which has been providing this type of vacation package for many years. In 2020, no holidays were organized at all, due to the pandemic. In 2021, Fondation de France will support outdoor holidays for children who, on top of dealing with their disease or disability, had to endure the additional burden of lockdown and its associated health-related restrictions.
CAP AU VERT: AN ABUNDANCE OF BENEFITS
According to a survey conducted by the Fondation de France of the families of the children who participated in the program:
- 79% of families reported that the stay encouraged friendships between their children and other youngsters who did not have disabilities or illnesses;
- 91% of families said that the holiday had a positive effect on their child’s ability to deal with their illness/disability independently;
- 100% of families felt the stay strengthened their child’s self-esteem.
Call for projects
Over the last twenty years, Fondation de France has been supporting research on human cognitive and emotional development, especially that of children.
Vacations for sick children
Fondation de France offers the opportunity to take a vacation to young people in remission from serious illness, with chronic pathologies that are currently under control, or with physical or learning disabilities. The stays are organized in standard holiday centers with other children who are in good health, with the added benefit of adapted medical supervision.
Call for projects
Over the last twenty years, Fondation de France has been supporting research on human cognitive and emotional development, especially that of children.
Vacations for sick children
Fondation de France offers the opportunity to take a vacation to young people in remission from serious illness, with chronic pathologies that are currently under control, or with physical or learning disabilities. The stays are organized in standard holiday centers with other children who are in good health, with the added benefit of adapted medical supervision.