Indian Summer at Ondrasov Dvur

At quarter to eight, one of the chiefs woke us up with their drumming skills, and from eight o'clock we were all stretching our bodies during morning exercises on the tennis court. After breakfast, we engaged our artistic spirit making props such as headbands, tomahawks, and bead bracelets, all interspersed with further rehabilitation and the one thing that distinguishes our camp from others: prophylaxis. This helped keep the joints of hemophilia patients ready for the afternoon stage games, which were often physically demanding.

And as every year, this time too there were several brave newcomers who self-administered for the first time.

After the afternoon game, which was often designed to exercise not only the body but also the mind, there was a tribal council where the individual groups learned how they had performed and some of their members were awarded red feathers for their merits. This was followed by the evening program - games, competitions, or outdoor cinema - and then lights out and sleep. Only once was our peaceful sleep disrupted by the kidnapping of a chief, but almost everyone successfully crept through the forest and helped with his rescue.

Twice we also had some great and unforgettable experiences from day trips. The first time we slept under the open sky in a meadow near Roznov pod Radhostem. Sleeping under the starry sky was pleasant and the morning was a success. The second trip was mainly about fun. We visited the Velka Raca amusement park in Slovakia. And as they say, there was loads of fun. Simply put, the counselors at this camp mainly aim to put a smile on the children's faces.

Although this is our last year at "Ondras," where we have so many beautiful memories, hopefully many more camps await us, and they will certainly all be as successful as this year's.

Misa Skokanova and Lukas Kratochvil (participants of the 2013 Summer Hemophilia Camp)

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Yes, as mentioned in the previous paragraph, we have many beautiful memories of Ondrasov Dvur and the children really grew fond of the grounds. Upon departure, some were saying: "It's a shame we won't be coming here anymore." Unfortunately, business plans dictate a different direction, and if that happens, we will be forced to leave Ondrasov Dvur. Therefore, we ask for help and advice. If you know of a suitable facility or recreation center that would have the proper amenities for our camp, do not hesitate to contact us.

And let me add a few words about this year's camp. In nine years, we do not remember such sunny weather as we had this year, so we spent most of our time outdoors in the forest. The pool was permanently occupied, the long-planned sleeping under the open sky finally worked out, and outdoor cinema screenings of the thematic films Winnetou and Treasure of Silver Lake also became popular. Forty children, 25 of whom were hemophilia patients or participants with von Willebrand disease, diligently fulfilled their daily duties, particularly practicing self-administration and individual or group physiotherapy. Almost every day, praise for successful administration could be heard from the medical staff. The medical duo of Jan Blatny and Svetlana Kohlerova prepared an interesting talk about hemophilia for the children during the first week, focusing primarily on the importance of prophylaxis and home treatment. Memories came back when we also viewed several slides from previous editions of the Summer Hemophilia Camp. Maruska Katzerova, who together with her colleagues Tana, Bara, and Andrejka planned the exercise program throughout the stay, added her own contribution on physiotherapy. A sizeable group of children also participated in a voluntary several-kilometer hike, where each participant learned how to use Nordic walking poles and was also able to try them out.

Entertainment was provided by two theater groups: the Holesov amateur theater group Hvizd with their magic cabinet, and on the way to Ostrava University Hospital, representatives of the civic association Puppets in Hospital stopped by with a South American Indian story. A joyful event for us was also the visit from friends from the Slovak Hemophilia Association. Jaro Janovec (SHZ chairman) and Peter Moncek (leader of the summer hemophilia camps in Slovakia) spent almost an entire camp day with us. Children could try their hand at painting on canvas with special oil paints with painter and sculptor Jiri Vydra, whose visit and all painting materials were arranged by Jana Hornigova through the Amgen company. The artworks created at the camp could in the future tour children's wards in both the Prague and Brno university hospitals and will be featured in a 2014 calendar that Amgen is preparing.

None of us can believe that we are back home again. Two weeks fly by in an instant, and all we are left with are memories of a pleasantly spent time at Ondrasov Dvur. We had a wonderful time. Children and adults created a community that supported and helped one another. At farewell, hardly anyone could hold back their tears. This is a testament that the camp was once again a success, and thanks go to all of you who contributed in any way to the common effort. Counselors, medical staff, children, parents, and our generous and willing sponsors. We deeply appreciate your help.

THANK YOU for your cooperation and support.

Martin Bohun

Here you can view some photographs from this year's camp.