Each spring in Miami, Florida, Miami Children’s Hospital hosts a free week-long overnight camp for ventilator assisted children and their families called V.A.C.C. Camp. Overnight campers come from throughout the United States and even internationally. The camp’s 25th Anniversary back in 2010 is the subject of my latest documentary film, “V.A.C.C. Camp: Camp Can-Do“,which premiered at the 2012 Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival and has been named an official selection at the 2013 Sunscreen Film Festival in St. Petersburg, Florida and the 2013 ReelHeART International Film Festival in Toronto.
During my documentary shoot, I was unable to tape the good folks from Therapy Dogs, Inc., who have been bringing their special dogs to this special camp going on 15 years. I amended that egregious omission from the film by spending this past Monday morning at the camp (with video camera in hand!) to capture what has become one of the highlights of what is an extraordinary week for not only the campers but the many young volunteers.
Oh, and if you’re wondering why they’re known as “man’s best friend”, just watch the video. Woof!
V.A.C.C. Camp: Therapy Dogs from DanPerezFilms on Vimeo.
Enjoy these other VACC Camp related posts:
5 Things You Can Learn from Ventilator Assisted Children