Every kid deserves the chance to thrive.
About Camp ChiMer
Camp ChiMer was started in 1986 by Dr. Brad Warady, dedicated volunteers, and health care professionals. All of whom shared a common goal to create an opportunity for children with end stage renal disease to participate in a camp experience and develop peer relationships, regardless of their medical needs.
Camp ChiMer is for children ages 9 to 18 who are undergoing peritoneal dialysis, hemodialysis, or have had a renal transplant. Here, campers will have the chance to participate in exciting activities, including swimming in our filtered pool.
The National Kidney Foundation, with medical support from Children's Mercy Hospital and Clinics, is excited to host this fun and unique summer camp experience. Camp ChiMer is located in a beautiful 100-acre privately owned facility in Kansas City, Missouri.
Camp will be staffed by physicians, nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, social workers, and volunteers. Campers are medically supervised. Campers form friendships and share common bonds and experiences with others who are "just like them", all while enjoying the therapeutic benefits of the great outdoors.
The Mission of the Camp
The mission of Camp ChiMer is to provide an opportunity for children with end stage renal disease to participate in a summer camp experience and develop peer relationships, regardless of their medical needs.
Activities Include
- Rock Wall Climbing
- Laser Tag
- Swimming
- Arts & Crafts
- Dance Party
- Mobile Arcade
- Memories for a lifetime
Financial Support
Thanks to sponsorships and donations, we are able to provide Camp ChiMer at no cost to the families. It is our goal to never ask the families for money to send their child to camp and that's how you can help. We want to continue providing these children the opportunity of a lifetime where they can just be a kid and make lasting friendships.
You can make an individual donation below. If you or your company would be interested in a sponsorship opportunity check back soon for the link to our sponsor packet.
Help us stock our prize closet and provide snacks for campers! The prize closet is an opportunity where campers can choose a prize during meal times. We also need a variety of snacks to fuel our campers throughout the day. We appreciate your consideration and generosity in support of our campers!
Contact Tiffany Scheffler to discuss sponsorship opportunities.
What to Bring to Camp Chimer
- Backpack or bag to hold your things
- Twin size sheets (if on-hand, do not purchase)
- *Mask
- Swimsuit
- 2 Towels (1 for pool, 1 for shower)
- Plastic bag for your wet swimsuit
- Sandals or flip flops for the pool
- Comfortable closed toe shoes and socks (tennis shoes and/or hiking boots)
- Reusable water bottle (recommend insulated)
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Protective clothing such as a hat, sunglasses, or rash guard
- Toiletries
- Flashlight
- Camp Medicines
- Excitement and Curiosity
* = Optional
Camp Chimer 2025
Friday 8/01/25 1:00PM CT - Sunday 8/03/25 3:00PM CT
Three Trails Camp & Retreat Center
16200 E US Hwy 40, Kansas City, MO 64136
For campers ages 9-18 with end stage renal disease.
What to know about Camp ChiMer?
- Camp ChiMer is an overnight summer camp experience! Campers will check-in with their guardians at 12:45pm CST Friday August 1 and be picked up by 3:00pm CST Sunday August 3.
- Dialysis will be provided.
- Camp counselors/volunteers are necessary to make camp happen! If you are interested in joining the incredible Camp ChiMer team fill out our volunteer form.
Interested in learning more?
For more information about this event contact Tiffany Scheffler / 913.262.1551 ext 471.
Health & Safety Requirements
All NKF Staff, Children’s Mercy Medical Staff, volunteers, and campers must conduct a self-prescreening prior to leaving for Three Trails Camp & Retreat Center. If any two symptoms are present, do not attend camp.
Prescreening Checklist:
- Temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
- Sore throat
- Cough (for campers with chronic cough due to allergies or asthma, a change in their cough from baseline, must be documented by a medical professional)
- Difficulty breathing (for campers with asthma, a change from their baseline breathing, must be documented by a medical professional)
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- New loss of taste or smell
- New onset of severe headache, especially with a fever
Volunteer Info
Would you like to serve our amazing campers as a camp staff member?
Volunteer Application Requirements
- All camp volunteers must be at least 19 years old by August 1, 2025 (not attended camp the previous year).
- All camp volunteers will be required to consent to a background check.
- All camp volunteers will be required to complete a Sexual Abuse Awareness training online.
- All camp volunteers will be required to attend training Thursday, July 31st- time and location TBD
- Camper Parent/Guardians cannot volunteer at camp.
- Application closes 6/30/25.
Time & Location
Friday, August 1, 2025 - 1:00pm to Sunday, August 3, 2025 - 3:00pm
Three Trails Camp & Retreat Center
16200 E US Hwy 40
Kansas City, MO 64136
United States
Directions