In 2025, we launched Ranken Jordan’s first summer camp. Called Adventure ReimaginED and led by our therapy team, it is the only in-hospital camp in our region — to the best of our knowledge — that welcomes children with complex medical needs alongside their siblings.

While summer camp is a given for many kids, it can be incredibly difficult for families of medically complex children to find accessible options. Camps designed to support these children are limited, and many come with significant costs.

That’s why we launched Adventure ReimaginED last year and why we’re bringing it back this summer from June 30–July 2. Open to children with complex medical needs and their siblings, the camp is offered at no cost to families.

It’s another example of our Care Beyond the Bedside approach in action.

Adventure ReimaginED takes place over three days and features a series of mini “camps” led by our therapy team and community partners.

Together with partners like PGA ABLE, McClure Engineering, and Missouri Botanical Garden, kids have the chance to swim, play golf, dance, explore nature, learn about STEM, and more. Some activities are also designed to support specific therapeutic goals, including improving gross motor skills.

This year, we’re introducing adaptive gaming, allowing children of all abilities to participate in video games together. Whether a child prefers Nintendo or Xbox, we have adaptive gaming equipment designed to support a wide range of needs and abilities.

We first introduced adaptive gaming during our winter camp, and one mother shared how meaningful it was to watch her medically complex child play video games at home with his brothers for the first time.

This year we’re also expanding opportunities for siblings. We’re introducing an additional sibling session and a golf camp designed specifically for siblings, giving every child the opportunity to participate at a level that feels comfortable and fun.

While summer camp is a fun experience for children, we also created this program with parents and caregivers in mind.

As I mentioned, finding accessible summer camps for medically complex children is difficult. For families with multiple children, it can feel nearly impossible to find a program where everyone can participate.

This year, Adventure ReimaginED will offer an added layer of respite for parents and caregivers. During last year’s camp, parents were required to remain on-site while their children participated. But this summer, in partnership with our nursing team and with all safety protocols in place, parents will have the option to leave during morning sessions if they choose.

Our Care Beyond the Bedside philosophy is centered on caring for the whole child, including their family. We wanted to give parents and caregivers the opportunity for a short break this summer, something many families experience during camp season but is often out of reach for families with a medically complex child.

We can’t wait for summer camp to start this year and we are incredibly grateful to the Costigan family for their generous support of future camps and community group offerings in celebration of the life of Ed Costigan.

If you are interested in supporting future camps at Ranken Jordan, we encourage you to donate to the Ranken Jordan Pediatric Hospital Foundation.

If you are the parent or caregiver of a medically complex child, please note that our 2026 summer camp is fully booked and we are not accepting additional campers at this time. Families seeking support this summer are encouraged to check out our outpatient therapy services.