PHI SPONSORS 4TH CAMP BRAVEHEART

by Poch Morales, PHI '09

All children, regardless of their condition, have the right to play and have fun. On February 27, 2010, around 100 kids aged 5-15 years who at some point in their life had a Congenital Heart Disease were given the chance to enjoy to their hearts’ delight in Island Cove, Kawit, Cavite.

Headed by our Brod Jose Jonas Dino Del Rosario, PHI ‘86, and made possible by the Phil. Heart Association: Council on Congenital Heart Disease, the 4^th Camp Braveheart entitled “BUSILAK: The Heart of a True Hero!” proved to be the perfect venue for children with CHD and their parents to learn more about their condition, make new friends, and simply have fun.

Volunteers from the Phil. Society of Pediatric Cardiology, the Children’s Heart Foundation, 1^st year students from PAREF Woodrose, School Inc., and our very own brods from the PHI KAPPA MU Fraternity aptly shared their time to assist in this whole day event of fun and learning.

Parents were first given lectures by guest speakers about stories of hope and valuable information about raising children with CHD, while their kids participated in a creative slam book type arts and crafts activity. The children then joined their parents in a tour of the park which included a zoo, crocodile and monkey farm. After which, all of the kids, parents, and volunteers formed groups to take part in an “Amazing Race” style friendly competition. The race gave emphasis on teamwork more than anything through events such as Tug-of-War, sidecar race, ball passing, a treasure hunt, etc. In the end, each group assembled and flew their kites on the field to the tune of R, Kelly’s “I Believe I Can Fly”.

One and all were entertained over dinner by a ventriloquist and special performances by some of the children. A fireworks display provided the perfect end to this heart-warming event. Until the next Camp Braveheart, All for PHI!