Camp LUCK, Inc. is a specialized medical camp dedicated to serving children with congenital heart disease and their families. Located at Camp Cherokee within the expansive 7,000-acre Kings Mountain State Park, the camp provides a medically supervised environment where heart kids can experience the joy of traditional camp activities while building confidence and lasting friendships. The camp offers multiple program options throughout the year to serve families at different life stages, from infanCamp LUCK, Inc. is a specialized medical camp dedicated to serving children with congenital heart disease and their families. Located at Camp Cherokee within the expansive 7,000-acre Kings Mountain State Park, the camp provides a medically supervised environment where heart kids can experience the joy of traditional camp activities while building confidence and lasting friendships. The camp offers multiple program options throughout the year to serve families at different life stages, from infants through teenagers, ensuring that every child affected by congenital heart disease has an opportunity to participate in meaningful camp experiences.
The camp’s diverse program offerings include the main Kids Camp (August 3-8), Family Camp weekends, Adventure Day (October 4), Baby LUCK (December 2) for very young children, and a Leader-in-Training/Counselor-in-Training program for older campers. All programs feature a wide range of engaging activities designed to build self-esteem, foster friendships, and develop character in a safe, supportive environment. Whether participating in water activities, outdoor adventures, or family connection events, campers experience the transformative power of camp while receiving appropriate medical supervision and care tailored to their specific health needs.
What sets Camp LUCK apart is its commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. The camp welcomes not only children with congenital heart disease but also their siblings and entire families, recognizing that heart disease affects the whole family unit. With minimal costs (free with a $100 refundable deposit, plus modest fees for larger families), the camp removes financial barriers to participation. The medically supervised setting, combined with age-appropriate activities and family-focused programming, creates a unique environment where children with heart conditions can thrive, celebrate their resilience, and connect with others who understand their journey.
Key Highlights
Free or nearly-free camp experience for families affected by congenital heart disease
Multiple program options throughout the year serving different age groups and family needs
Medically supervised setting with activities designed to build confidence and self-esteem in children with heart conditions
Special Features
Medically supervised environment
Specifically designed for children with congenital heart disease
Welcomes siblings and entire families
Located in 7,000-acre state park setting
Age-appropriate activities for all ages from infants to teenagers
Leader-in-Training/Counselor-in-Training program available
Lottery-based registration system for Family Camp
Accessible to families from multiple medical centers across the region
Activities
swimmingwater trampolinecanoeingarcheryclimbing wallrock climbinghikingnature hikesboatingathleticsdancingsplash pad playearly childhood development activitiesfamily connection activitiestraditional Camp LUCK Pow Wowwater fun
Parent Considerations
Strict eligibility requirements: child must be a current patient at one of five specific medical centers and must have undergone open heart surgery
Limited to children with congenital heart disease diagnosis
Family Camp requires full weekend commitment and uses lottery-based registration system
Counselor ratios not specified in available data
Rating of 3.7 based on only 6 votes (limited review data)
Geographic limitation to specific medical centers in North Carolina and South Carolina region