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VACC Camp

VACC Camp: Miami’s Most Remarkable Camp for Special Needs Children [VIDEO]

by Dan Perez February 10, 2020

For those of you that follow my blog, you know that I’ve been a volunteer at VACC Camp going back 8 years now. I’ve filmed it and I’ve photographed it and I’ll be back this Spring for the 2020 edition of the camp. For those of you who don’t know, VACC Camp is a free week-long overnight camp in Miami for ventilation assisted children (children needing a tracheostomy ventilator, C-PAP, BiPAP, or oxygen to support breathing) and their families. Overnight campers come from throughout the United States and internationally.

South Florida families and youngsters from local residential care facilities join in as day campers. The unique camp, hosted by Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, is a life-changing experience for not only the special needs campers but the many young volunteers who give up their Spring Break in South Florida to be of service to the camp.

I’ve completed a short video that better illustrates what this camp is all about and I’m also in the process of editing a feature documentary film about VACC Camp that I’ve been working on the past four years (hoping to have it completed by the fall). Enjoy the video – and please feel free to share it. For more information or to donate to this truly remarkable camp, visit vaccamp.com.

February 10, 2020

Blog Photography Sound and Vision

PSA Bronze Award Winner! Ozone Zone International Photo Competition

by Dan Perez June 6, 2018

written by Dan Perez

Yes, I’m a documentary filmmaker (an award-winning one at that – just saying) and yes I butter my bread creating videos for some of the most respected companies and organizations in South Florida (just saying). Yes, I’m a lucky guy, blessed even. That all said, I’m also someone who loves photography. Been working on that “side hobby” for years, snapping photographs wherever I go. One of my favorite places to snap photographs is at VACC Camp, a free week-long overnight camp hosted by Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami for ventilation assisted children. It has become my favorite place to be for Spring Break during the past seven years; documenting this remarkable camp through video and photography.

So I am very happy to announce that my photograph, “VACC Camp – Father and Daughter” received the Bronze Award by the Photographic Society of America in the “Love” category in the 5th edition of the Ozone Zone International Photo Competition. Ozone Zone is a publisher of award-winning artistic photography books (coffee table books) that focus on showing the real beauty of our world. In 2014, the company moved from Canada and now make their home in the island republic of Dominica in the Caribbean. The company also promotes fine photography through their annual Ozone Zone International Photo Competition. Head of the jury is award-winning photographer Derek Galon.

I submitted the photograph way back in September of 2017 but judging was postponed due to hurricane Maria, which ravaged the whole Caribbean. Using a generator and working in a house with a damaged roof, jurors were able to finish judging and announced winners back in April. I figured it was time to let the proverbial cat out of the bag as it is an accomplishment (my first photography award) that I am very proud of; and that it was a photograph from a camp that is so near and dear to my heart, made it extra special.

You can find a very elegant online flip-through catalogue of all winning works HERE (and man, there are some truly amazing photographs in there – not sure how mine made it into the mix but I’ll take it!). If viewing this post on a mobile phone, click THIS LINK.

My winning photograph is below (you can find it in the catalogue under the “Love” category which starts on page 59), feel free to view my other photography work HERE. And if you want to learn more about (or to support) VACC Camp, visit their site at vacccamp.com and feel free to view my other VACC Camp photographs and videos HERE.

June 6, 2018

Blog Photography Sound and Vision

VACC Camp 2018: An Amazing Camp for Special Needs Children in Miami

by Dan Perez April 4, 2018

written by Dan Perez

Those of you who know me, know what VACC Camp means to me. My first experience at the camp was when I documented it back in 2011. Since then, I’ve not been able to stay away, returning every year with camera in hand. This year was no different.

For those of you who don’t know, VACC Camp (which stands for Ventilator Assisted Children Center) is a free week-long overnight camp for ventilation assisted children (children needing a tracheostomy ventilator, C-PAP, BiPAP, or oxygen to support breathing). The camp is hosted each spring in Miami by Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. Overnight campers and their families come from throughout the United States and internationally to engage with peers and enjoy activities not readily accessible to technology dependent children. Many South Florida volunteers give up their Spring Break to be of service to these children and their families.

The camp, which celebrated its 32nd anniversary this year, was founded by Dr. Moises Simpser, who was the Director of the Divisions of Pulmonology and Pulmonary Care at the hospital before losing his fierce battle with cancer just a few months ago (you can watch a tribute video I produced HERE). The camp was renamed the Dr. Moises Simpser VACC Camp in his memory and despite the loss of Dr. Simpser’s larger than life presence at the camp, 2018 was another memorable year; the first under the camp’s new Director, Dr. Maria Franco. Surely, Dr. Simpser was looking down, smiling. And as usual, I brought along my camera and snapped a few (hundred) photographs. Enjoy…

DAY ONE

Day one is about the campers arriving and getting acclimated to the volunteers (and vice versa!)

SHAKE-A-LEG

The Annual trip to Shake-A-Leg, the premier South Florida destination that utilizes the marine environment to improve the health, education and independence of children and adults with physical, developmental and economic challenges…

Nikki Beach

Many of these children never get to go to the beach but with the help of the Miami Beach Fire Department, “Beach Day” is one of the most popular days…

POOL DAY

“Pool Day” is probably my favorite day – watching campers lowered into a swimming pool (many of them for the first time) makes this one of the most memorable days…

PARTY TIME

Ain’t no party like a VACC Camp party. And when it’s over, some people need to be cooled off…

THE LAST DAY

The last day of camp is always a highly emotional one as campers, their families and the volunteers say farewell to each other. But it’s also a celebration of the week that was and all the special moments that occurred by the proverbial minute in this remarkable camp. For many of these campers (and many volunteers), this week is the best week of the year so it’s hard to say goodbye.

I hope the images I shared illustrate how special this camp is to so many. VACC Camp exists solely on charitable donations so please consider making one if you feel so compelled; visit vacccamp.com to do so. And feel free to share this post with others, you might just be responsible for the next camper at this amazing camp…

April 4, 2018

Blog Miami Children's Hospital Photography

VACC Camp: An Amazing Camp for Special Needs Children in Miami (In Pictures)

by Dan Perez April 18, 2017

written by Dan Perez

V.A.C.C. Camp (Ventilation Assisted Children’s Center Camp) is a unique free week-long overnight camp for ventilation assisted children (children needing a tracheostomy ventilator, C-PAP, BiPAP, or oxygen to support breathing) hosted each spring in Miami by Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. Overnight campers and their families come from throughout the United States and internationally to socialize with peers and enjoy activities not readily accessible to technology dependent children. South Florida families and youngsters from local residential care facilities join in as day campers.

Founded by pediatric pulmonology doctor Moises Simpser, VACC Camp celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2016 (I’ve been filming the past two years for an upcoming documentary film I’m working on). My first year of filming at the camp was in 2011 and after that memorable week, I was hooked. Over the years, I’ve created short videos of the camp (scroll to the end of the photographs to watch them) and have taken many photographs of the truly remarkable campers and young volunteers that give up their Spring Break in South Florida to serve in the camp. It’s been a labor of love and this year was no different.

So enjoy the images (the first in a series of photography posts I’ll be sharing on the camp) and visit www.vacccamp.com to learn more (or to support) this truly magical camp. You can like them on Facebook HERE (thanks, in advance!)

First-time campers are usually overwhelmed by the high-energy greeting they receive upon arrival to camp…

Day one of camp is all about campers arriving…

Day two features an annual trip to Shake-A-Leg and setting sail on beautiful Biscayne Bay…

Shake-A-Leg founder Harry Horgan and VACC Camp Founder Dr. Moises Simpser (and Wolfie in the middle)

Day three features a visit by long-time camp supporter Mike McCarthy of McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary in West Palm Beach (more photos forthcoming)

Day four is all about Nikki Beach and the annual camper relay race…

Day five is one of the most popular – “Pool Day” (more photographs forthcoming)

The last night of VACC Camp is all about partying – this year featured a “Mexican Fiesta” theme (more photographs forthcoming)

The emotional last day of VACC Camp is about saying “see you next year”. Stay tuned for additional VACC Camp photography posts in the coming week…

Here are a few short videos I’ve produced of the camp over the years…

Miami Children's Hospital: VACC Camp 2012 from DanPerezFilms on Vimeo.

V.A.C.C. Camp: A Day at the Beach from DanPerezFilms on Vimeo.

VACC Camp: A Day at Shake-A-Leg Miami from DanPerezFilms on Vimeo.

April 18, 2017

Corporate Miami Children's Hospital Sound and Vision

Special Camp for Kids on Ventilators: Meet Andrew (Video)

by Dan Perez March 2, 2016

written by Dan Perez

Andrew was born with chronic lung disease and has had to live his entire life connected to a ventilator that helps him breathe. His mother was referred to Nicklaus Children’s Hospital (formerly Miami Children’s Hospital) when Andrew was only a few months old. His mother was told about a unique, week-long, overnight camp just for kids like Andrew – VACC Camp (Ventilation Assisted Children’s Center Camp). The free camp takes place during Spring Break in Miami and will be celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

Andrew is just one of the many kids who, along with their families (and the many young volunteers) have had their lives transformed by this special camp. This is the latest in a series of videos I’ve been producing for Miami Children’s Health Foundation who raise funds and awareness for for Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. To help children like Andrew and to support VACC Camp, please visit www.mchf.org/donate.

Enjoy the video…

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJRsO_42A-s[/youtube]

Anyone who knows me knows what a fan I am of this special camp. I shot a documentary on the camp five years ago which premiered at the 2012 Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival. The experience made a lasting impact on me and I’ve returned every year since and have produced short videos on the camp. Here are a few…

[vimeo]https://vimeo.com/123651328[/vimeo]

[vimeo]https://vimeo.com/90456505[/vimeo]

[vimeo]https://vimeo.com/38911797[/vimeo]

This year, I’ll be documenting the 30th anniversary of the camp with HD cameras (compared to the SD Panasonic DVX cameras I used back in 2011) and we hope the finished film will help bring additional awareness (and funds) to this amazing camp. Visit VaccCamp.com to learn more…

March 2, 2016

Blog Photography

Party Time for Ventilation Assisted Children (In Pictures)

by Dan Perez April 2, 2015

written by Dan Perez

Here’s the fifth and final in a series of posts that look back on the remarkable week that was at VACC Camp, a free week-long overnight camp for ventilation assisted children hosted each spring by Miami Children’s Hospital (now Nicklaus Children’s Hospital).

For the last night of the camp, the campers and volunteers were treated to a retro-style party complete with DJ, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream station, a classic Chevrolet, photo booth and a Michael Jackson impersonator. Many of these kids don’t get the chance to party this hard and being on the dance floor with kids just like them makes it all the more special.

I was there with my Panasonic Lumix GH2 and every time I’m at a VACC Camp party, it’s hard to imagine wanting to be anywhere else. Enjoy the pics…

Check out the previous posts in the series > Photographs from Day One, the camp’s visit to Nikki Beach Miami, a video I produced from their visit to Shake-A-Leg Miami and the camp’s über popular “Pool Day“.

For more information on this amazing camp, feel free to like the camp’s facebook page, become a volunteer (you won’t regret it) or support the camp (you won’t regret that either).

April 2, 2015

Blog Corporate Miami Children's Hospital Photography Short Films

VACC Camp visits Shake-A-Leg Miami (VIDEO)

by Dan Perez March 31, 2015

written by Dan Perez

Here’s the third in a series of posts that look back on the remarkable week that was at VACC Camp, a free week-long overnight camp for ventilation assisted children hosted each spring by Miami Children’s Hospital (now Nicklaus Children’s Hospital). This week’s post is a video I shot during the camp’s visit to Shake-A-Leg Miami, a not-for-profit organization working with children and adults with physical, developmental, and economic challenges to experience the beauty of Miami’s gem that is Biscayne Bay.

Shake-A-Leg has been hosting the camp for years, providing boat rides for these special needs campers on beautiful Biscayne Bay. I’ve shot a video at the camp on a specific day each of the past three years since completing my documentary film shoot of the camp back in 2011 (you can watch the film HERE). That this year’s visit boasted an absolutely beautiful South Florida day made for a great video shoot – the smiles on these campers faces (not exactly a rare sight in this camp) made the time spent shooting the video seem all the more worth it (that my wife was able to come with me was the cherry on top).

Enjoy the video…

VACC Camp: A Day at Shake-A-Leg Miami from DanPerezFilms on Vimeo.

Check out the previous posts in the series > Photographs from Day One and the camp’s visit to Nikki Beach Miami.

For more information on this amazing camp, feel free to like the camp’s facebook page, become a volunteer (you won’t regret it) or support the camp (you won’t regret that either).

March 31, 2015

Blog Photography

Camp for Ventilator Assisted Children: Day One (In Pictures)

by Dan Perez March 29, 2015

written by Dan Perez

It’s been four years since I was first contracted to document what was at the time the 25th year of VACC Camp, a free week-long overnight camp for ventilation assisted children hosted each spring by Miami Children’s Hospital (now Nicklaus Children’s Hospital). The documentary film (you can watch it HERE) premiered at the 2012 Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival and won the 3rd Place award in the Feature Documentary category at the 2013 ReelHeART International Film Festival in Toronto.

But what the experience of being at this absolutely remarkable camp really did was change my life. It made me realize that one’s life is made up of how you deal with the challenges life throws at you. Entering the camp, I thought it was the campers, many of whom have been betrayed by their bodies and need to be attached to a ventilator 24 hours a day to breathe, that benefited from the many volunteers who give up their spring break (in South Florida!) to be of service to them.

I was only half right.

These very same campers also change the lives of many of these volunteers with their positive attitudes in the face of unthinkable challenges. Their smiles hit you like a cool breeze on a hot summer day. In some cases, like the sound of someone blowing a trumpet in your ear at 5 o’clock in the morning after being out late the night before. It’s a sobering wake-up call to get started living – to not take life (or simply being able to breathe) for granted. It’s what keeps these volunteers coming back for more – many of them in their 7th and even 10th years.

It’s also a reminder that people giving a damn about other people still matters – still makes a difference – still can change lives.

With that said, despite a busy work week, I still found myself at the camp for 5 of the 7 activity days (6 of the 7 if you count picking up my daughter on the seventh day – she was a full-time volunteer at the camp for the second year in a row and yeah, I’m pretty proud of that). And I didn’t come empty handed – I brought along my Panasonic GH2 and a couple of lenses because if great pictures is what you’re looking for – VACC Camp is the place to be.

So here is the first of a series of posts featuring a few pics I shot during my time there. I’ll start with day one which is the day the volunteers get the camp ready for the arrival of the campers and their families. Tomorrow, I’ll share pics of the camp’s visit to Nikki Beach in Miami, then the camp’s visit to Shake-A-Leg Miami (that will be a video I shot), then Pool Day then the camp’s big Retro Party finale. So enjoy the pics and feel free to like the camp’s facebook page, become a volunteer (you won’t regret it) or support the camp (you won’t regret that either).

DAY ONE: CAMP PREPARATION

ARRIVAL OF CAMPERS

Tomorrow’s Post: Nikki Beach Miami

March 29, 2015

Blog Photography

Photographer Showcase: The Faces of Ventilation Assisted Children

by Dan Perez April 3, 2014

written by Dan Perez

Last week, the 28th year of VACC Camp (Ventilation Assisted Children’s Center), a free week-long overnight camp for children needing a tracheostomy ventilator, C-PAP, BiPAP, or oxygen to support breathing. The camp, which takes place during Spring Break here in South Florida, is hosted each spring by Miami Children’s Hospital and attracts campers from throughout the United States and internationally.

I’ve had ties to the camp ever since producing a feature documentary film on the camp for its 25th year back in 2011. I’ve returned every year since to produce short videos of select camp activities such as Pool Day in 2012, the annual visit by Therapy Dogs, Inc. last year, and just a few weeks ago, Beach Day.

These “technology dependent” children make a tremendous impact on the lives of the many young volunteers who give up their Spring Break to be a part of this amazing camp. The camp had a perspective-altering impact on my own life during my first year there. So today, I want to leave you with a few images I shot of these remarkable campers and ask that you please consider supporting this very special camp. Visit VACCcamp.com to find out how.

Enjoy…

April 3, 2014

Blog Corporate Featured (Soledad)Short Films Sound and Vision

VACC Camp: A Day at the Beach for Ventilation Assisted Children

by Dan Perez March 30, 2014

written by Dan Perez

It ain’t no secret that I’m a huge supporter of VACC Camp (Ventilation Assisted Children’s Center), a free week-long overnight camp for children needing a tracheostomy ventilator, C-PAP, BiPAP, or oxygen to support breathing. The camp, which just celebrated its 28th year, is hosted each spring by Miami Children’s Hospital and attracts campers from throughout the United States and internationally.

Back in 2011, I was commissioned by Miami Children’s Hospital to document the camp’s 25th anniversary year. Spending a week at the camp and at the homes of the campers and getting to know the many young volunteers who give up their Spring Break in South Florida to be of service to these kids was a remarkable personal experience. The film (watch it HERE) had its world premiere at the 2012 Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival and took home the third place prize in the ‘Feature Documentary’ category at the 2013 ReelHeART International Film Festival.

I’ve returned every year since (with camera in hand) and have created short videos from select days at the camp. In 2012 it was “Pool Day” and in 2013 I was there when the good folks at Therapy Dogs, Inc. brought their special dogs to the camp. This year (this past week), I returned to the camp for one of the its most special events, “Beach Day”. Now, you would think a trip to the beach wouldn’t be such a big deal in Miami but for many of these children, getting a 300 pound motorized wheelchair through the sand is pretty much mission impossible. But that’s where the Miami Beach Firefighters come in.

V.A.C.C. Camp: A Day at the Beach from DanPerezFilms on Vimeo.

If you’d like more information on the camp, would like to be a future volunteer or would simply like to support the camp with a generous donation, please visit VACCcamp.com. Oh, and if you’ve got nothing better to do over the next 15 seconds, go like their facebook page – and tell them Dan Perez sent you 🙂

March 30, 2014

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