Join us at Family Camp

Family Camp is for youth of all ages (newborn - 17) with heart conditions and their families. Our goal is to create a family camp experience that reflects the mission of MHCC’s summer camp program. Many families feel understandably anxious about sending their child to camp for the first time, especially when that child has a heart condition or chronic illness. Through our Family Camp, we hope to provide a shared experience that allows families to better understand what camp is like, while building trust and confidence in the environment we provide.

This program is specifically designed to support families affected by congenital heart defects. Living with medical complexity can create stress, uncertainty, and emotional strain within a household. By fostering community among families who share similar experiences, we create a space of understanding, validation, and mutual support. When families feel less alone in their journey, the entire household benefits.

Family Camp will also intentionally reduce outside distractions such as screens, social media, and work obligations, allowing families to be fully present with one another. By slowing down, creating space for meaningful conversations and shared joy, we strengthen bonds that extend well beyond the camp setting.

Space is limited. Campers must be accompanied by at least one parent / guardian and are invited to bring up to two siblings. You must be able to attend camp Friday - Sunday.

Cost: Camp will cost our organization about $250 per person, however, we are asking only for a $100 registration fee for your camper and $60 fee per parent / sibling. We want this to be affordable and accessible to all - please contact Tim at director@merryheartchildrenscamp.org with questions.

Accommodations: Families will be in their own cabin unless a request is made to share a cabin with friends. Bathrooms are in a separate building nearby. Cabins have electricity, heat, a box fan, and bunk beds - campers must bring their own sleeping bags and pillows.

Meals: Our meals are prepared by the Camp Howard staff. Our summer campers love the food at Camp Howard. Vegetarian options are available. Please note allergies when you register for camp and that information will be shared with the kitchen staff. The Camp Howard kitchen is a nut-free environment. A refrigerator is available for your use in the dining hall.

Accessibility: Camp Howard is rustic and may not be for everyone. Paths are gravel, dirt, and grass. There are some hills. We will try to accommodate folks with mobility issues by placing them in cabins closest to the camp activity areas.

Medications: Families are responsible for their own medications. A refrigerator is available in the nurse’s station.

Camp Howard and Merry Heart Children’s Camp are alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco free.

Pets are not allowed, however under state and federal law, properly trained service animals are permitted on-site.

Weather: We’re hoping for a beautiful fall weekend in the hills near Mount Hood. It can get chilly at night and rain is always a possibility. Pack and dress for the weather! We have indoor options if the weather gets a little too wet! We will share a packing list as we get closer to camp.

Arrival and Departure Times

Camp will take place at Camp Howard, the same location as our five-day, four-night summer camp. See directions below.

Arrival Time: Families should arrive at Camp Howard between 4 and 5 pm on Friday (October 23rd). We will check in, go to cabins, and get acquainted before dinner and activites.  Volunteer staff will be assisting in unloading and moving the campers to their respective cabins.

Departure Time: Camp will conclude with a short gathering after breakfast on Sunday (October 25th). You can expect to be on the road by about 10:30 am.

Directions to The Camp

Camp Howard is located near Corbett, OR and is easily accessible from both I-84 and Highway 26. 

Address: 11010 SE Camp Howard Road, Corbett, OR 97019

Note: Please CHECK out the directions below and make sure your GPS / Maps is sending you to the right place!

From I-84

• Take exit 18 (Lewis and Clark State Park) and head south.

• Turn Left onto Old Columbia Highway.

• At Springdale stay to the right on Hurlburt road and continue on Hurlburt road. until you reach the flashing red light.

• Turn right on Gordon Creek road. When you see the sign (on your left), for Trout Creek Bible Camp, you will be 5 miles from Warriner road.

• When Gordon Creek road makes a sharp right-hand turn (15 mph sign), turn left onto Warriner road. and proceed 1 mile.

• Turn right at the big “Camp Howard” sign and go 0.2 miles down the gravel road. The camp entrance is on the left.

CAUTION: The intersection of Warriner and Bull Run Roads is a blind corner from this direction. Please use caution when making the left turn onto Warriner Road.

From Sandy (Hwy 26)

• Turn from Hwy 26 onto Ten Eyck road proceed north.

• Go 3.6 miles and take a right onto Bull Run road just past the Roslyn Lake inlet. Continue north on Bull Run road for 2.3 miles.

• When Bull Run road turns left sharply and becomes Gordon Creek road go straight ahead onto Warriner road for 1.2 miles.

• Turn right at the big “Camp Howard” sign and go 0.2 miles down the gravel road. The camp entrance is on the left.

CAUTION: The intersection of Warriner and Bull Run Roads is a blind corner from the other direction. Please use caution and watch for cars making a left turn onto Warriner Road.