Keeping the Beat: A retreat for kids with pacemakers and ICDs

Photos by Richard Koch
Every year in early September, something extraordinary happens at the YMCA Camp Burgess on Cape Cod. That’s when a group of kids with pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) descend on the campground for the Keeping the Beat Retreat, a weekend filled with games, outdoor activities, dancing, singing and bonding. This year, I was lucky enough to get to join in on their fun as a volunteer counselor.
The weekend began with hugs, high-fives and screams of excitement as the kids piled off the bus and connected with old friends and former counselors. As a first-timer, I was clearly in the minority. Many of the kids have been attending the retreat for years, some since it began in 1999.

A quiet moment with a ukulele
The medical team: Dr. Bevilacqua, Kimberly Deckett, Dr. Mah and Amy Walsh
More dancing
Hanging out at the courts
Having fun at the arts and crafts tent
Face painting and costumes at Carnival Night
Another group gets ready to zipline

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Source: Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston - October 17, 2017 Category: Pediatrics Authors: Ellen Greenlaw Tags: Diseases & Conditions Our Patients’ Stories Amy Walsh Dr. Doug Mah Dr. Laura Bevilacqua ICDs implantable cardioverter defibrillators Keeping the Beat Retreat pacemaker Source Type: news