No hard feelings, it just seemed to be a nonstarter. Together, they decided to turn what had been known as Whatchamacallit into something worthy of a name. A lot of the programming and the people who run it are from Camp Fantastic, so it's based on what we've done with cancer kids. Novel issues with an HIV camp include providing bottled water for campers, whose immune systems could be harmed by bacteria in tap water. Sometimes even siblings don't know what the diagnosis is.
Privacy issues extend beyond the family as well.
We are trying to provide a respite for these families, far away from the isolation and societal stigma that they may feel at home. We have a tremendous respect for their privacy. We provide an environment free from judgment, where everyone is in the same boat. They can draw strength from each other and our wonderful staff. The camp doesn't focus on the diagnosis at all, explains Bergin.