Camps for kids with AIDS and HIV, offers fun, education and acceptance

Breaking the perception that people affected with HIV and AIDS cannot live a so-called normal life is still ongoing. With the help of Eva Payne, children will not only learn to cope with HIV and AIDS, but they will be able to become successful people in their communities.

The goal of Camp Kindle, founded in 1998 by Payne, is to enhance the lives of young people infected with or directly affected by HIV and AIDS.

"A child's self-acceptance is often made more difficult by the challenges of HIV," said Payne. "Giving young people chances to succeed, learn and grow sends messages that they are in fact special, unique and talented."

Payne's dedication to positively affect infected children has earned her a nomination for a national hero awards program called the Volvo for life Awards. This yearly award seeks out and celebrates everyday heroes with $1 million in financial contributions, including a new Volvo every three years for life. To learn more and to nominate a hero, visit www.volvoforlifeawards.com.

Camp Kindle came about as Payne began focusing on HIV and AIDS while attending college at the University of Nebraska.

"The subject kept presenting itself, so I decided to volunteer for the Nebraska AIDS Project," said Payne. "As a volunteer, I saw a need for children in Nebraska and the other Midwest states to come together. I envisioned a summer camp for these kids to come together."

Payne consulted her father for advice.

"I called my Dad to ask him if he thought this was a crazy idea, and he supported me 100%, so I began my research," Payne said. "That was in the summer of 1998. By July of 1999, we had 25 volunteers and 50 kids from all over the Midwest attend the first session of camp, at no cost to them or their families."

A typical summer camp can cost a few thousand dollars. Camp Kindle, however, is offered at no cost, including transportation to and from camp. To help cover the $1,000 cost for each camper, Camp Kindle is always looking for donations. To get involved or to make a donation, visit www.campkindle.org.

Payne hopes to continue the growth of Camp Kindle, both in staff and the camp itself.

"Camp Kindle has reached out to not only offer a week long session in Nebraska, but we began offering summer camp sessions in California last summer for children who reside in California and hope to branch out to offer the camp to kids on the west coast," said Payne. "We have many goals that we are hoping to attain. We hope to continue and grow the programs we have established and we are working on raising 1 million dollars to purchase a campsite that is currently on the market. This camp would allow us to serve hundreds of children through year round camping."

She recently developed a speakers bureau program, Sharing Personal Experiences and Knowledge: Our Unique Truths (SPEAK OUT), through which the campers have the opportunity to share their stories of living with HIV and AIDS to peers across the country. Payne also created the Students Affected by AIDS Scholarship Fund, which offers HIV and AIDS-impacted young adults scholarship money for their post-high school education.

It is a remarkable feeling to be considered a hero, according to Payne.

"It feels incredible to know that I have some part in making the lives of children infected and affected by HIV and AIDS happier," Payne said. "For one week out of the year, these kids get to be kids. They love coming to camp. I am honored that my life has allowed me the opportunity to serve these courageous and awesome kids."