Camp - Our Story - Hemophilia Foundation of Michigan

OUR STORY

The Hemophilia Foundation of Michigan (HFM) strives to improve the quality of life for all people affected by hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, other coagulation disorders, and related complications.

HFM was founded in 1956 as an all-volunteer chapter of the National Hemophilia Foundation, and in 1969, started the first-ever summer camp for children with bleeding disorders, now called Camp Bold Eagle. Our camp mission, which carries over to all our youth programming, is to educate and empower children, teens, and young adults with bleeding disorders to live a life of freedom and independence.

In addition to traditional camp activities, we pride ourselves on offering a can-do experience at camp. Adult leaders, often impacted by bleeding disorders themselves, together with compassionate medical care providers, come together to provide safe, yet challenging experiences for our campers. By learning how to manager their disorders, campers are able to take “Eagle Steps” toward possibilities rather than limitations.

HFM’s camping programs have now grown to seven weeks of camp each summer in order to provide the magic of camp to more than 200 children and adults with bleeding disorders.

MEET THE HFM STAFF

Susan Fenters Lerch

Executive Director // slerch@hfmich.org

Susan Fenters Lerch is an accomplished leader who has served in the non-profit sector for more than three decades. Sue joined HFM as the Executive Director in June 2014; however she came to this role having previously served as the HFM Associate Director from 1983-1996. As the Executive Director, Susan not only oversees all of the camping programs, but she is responsible for statewide patient educational programming and advocacy services and also serves as the Great Lakes and Region V-East Hemophilia Treatment Centers’ Regional Director.

Tim Wicks

Camp and Youth Services Director // twicks@hfmich.org

Tim Wicks is the Camp and Youth Services Director for the Hemophilia Foundation of Michigan. He is responsible for the year-round components of Camp Bold Eagle, Eagle Outpost, Eagle Expedition, Eagle Quest, and the Counselor-In-Training (CIT) program. Tim was raised outside of Deshler, Ohio, and holds a BS from Grace Bible College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Prior to HFM, he was employed as an Outdoor Education Instructor at Michindoh Camp and Conference Center. Tim has worked with HFM as a camp staff member since 2000 and even participated in the camping programs as a teenager. He also has severe hemophilia A.

Angellica “Gelli” Kelley, BSN, RN

Associate Camp Director/Program Services Manager // akelley@hfmich.org

Angellica “Gelli” Kelley is the Associate Camp Director and Program Services Manager for HFM. Prior to joining HFM, Angellica was a Hematology/Oncology nurse, which provided her with invaluable experience working with patients impacted by chronic health concerns. She has type 1 von Willebrand Disease and became involved with HFM Eagle Journeys as a camper in 2012. Angellica went on to work as a counselor at HFM camping programs, eventually obtaining roles as head counselor and CIT director at Camp Bold Eagle where she developed a passion for encouraging the growth of leaders in the camp community. Angellica prioritizes compassionate care, inclusivity, and acceptance in all that she does.

Travis Miller, MEd

Associate Camp Director/Program Services Manager // tmiller@hfmich.org

Travis Miller works as an Associate Camp Director/Program Services Manager, assisting in organizing camp programs and coordinating other HFM services. He graduated from Ohio University with a master’s degree in secondary education and a bachelor’s in history. Travis is passionate about education and creating inclusive environments for learning and growth, at camp and in the classroom. Prior to joining HFM, he taught social studies in Hawaii. Travis also has severe hemophilia A and first met the HFM team as a 14-year-old camper. He went on to volunteer at Camp Bold Eagle from 2010 to 2016.

Amy Hepper, MD

Medical Director and University of Michigan Medical Student Supervisor

Dr. Hepper oversees all of HFM’s camping programs as the Medical Director, specifically managing the medical students who serve as counselors, as well as being responsible for the medical care provided at camp. She is a pediatrician at the University of Michigan Critical Care Special Services department. Dr. Hepper attended the University of Michigan medical school, where she completed a rotation at Camp Bold Eagle as part of her medical school training, and later returned as a Resident Physician for another summer at Camp Bold Eagle.

Kaite Scott, LLMSW

Program Social Worker // kscott@hfmich.org

Kaite is the Camp Social Worker for HFM’s camping programs. Kaite has a clinical social work background providing therapy to children and families in a Community Mental Health setting. She was also lifeguard and camp counselor for CBE throughout college! Kaite looks forward to partnering with the camp directors, health center staff and counselors to support the psycho-social needs of the CBE community as well as support with child development focused training! Katie has a master’s degree in Social Work from Eastern Michigan University and a Bachelor of Applied Arts in child development from Central Michigan University.

Sarah Spencer, MPA, BSN, RN

Camp Health Officer // sspencer@hfmich.org

Sarah is the Camp Health Officer for HFM’s camping programs. Sarah has a public health nursing background and has attended both Camp Bold Eagle and Eagle Outpost as a volunteer nurse for four years and counting. Sarah has four children several of whom have participated as campers at Camp Bold Eagle in the past. Sarah looks forward to collaborating closely with Diana Mathis, who has led the Health Center at camp since the early 2000s. Together they will work to ensure that the efforts of all the healthcare professionals involved in the camping programs create the safest, healthiest, and most educational environment possible.

PARTNER HTCS

The following HTCs partner with HFM in providing health care to our campers

Children’s Hospital of Michigan
Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital
Detroit Receiving Hospital
Hurley Medical Center
West Michigan Cancer Center/Bronson
Henry Ford Hospital
Michigan State University
Munson Medical Center
University of Michigan

Children’s Hospital Medical Center of Akron
Columbus Children’s Hospital
Dayton Children’s Medical Center
Toledo Hospital/ Children’s Medical Center
UH Cleveland Medical Center (previously UHHS Cleveland)
Ohio State University Medical Center
Indiana Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center