Wilhelm Foundation's family camp on Valjeviken
Wilhelm Foundation's Family Camp: "Leave No One Behind"
Every summer, the Wilhelm Foundation organizes a Family Camp at Valjeviken Folk High School for families with children who have an undiagnosed disease, along with their siblings. The camp spans five days and is open to families in the Wilhelm Foundation's Parent Group. The next camp will take place from July 9-13, 2025.
A short video from our Family Camp 2024 captures the essence of Wilhelm Foundation's Family Camp. It's from the 25th Anniversary Celebration of Wilhelm Foundation.
Purpose of the Camp
The goal of the camp is for children with undiagnosed diseases, their siblings, and parents to feel they are not alone and to relax together with other families who share similar experiences. It is hoped that children and parents will form new friendships—or as one family described it, "We’ve found an entirely new family—the Wilhelm Foundation family."
Living with an undiagnosed disease carries a significant emotional burden.
The families are often mistrusted by society, healthcare, friends and relatives.
All these create stigma and PLWUD are frequently excluded—an injustice that contradicts the principles of the UN's Agenda 2030.
For children, explaining an undiagnosed disease is even harder than it is for adults. They face questions from peers and adults who may not understand their situation. This lack of understanding and awareness often results in isolation for these children and their families.
Activities and Support
Wilhelm Foundation's Family Camp aims to address this isolation by bringing together children with undiagnosed diseases and their siblings to connect with others in similar situations. Over the five days, the focus is on giving these children and their siblings a chance to relax and enjoy activities alongside peers who understand them. The camp creates a space where children are not questioned, stared at, or subjected to unpleasant comments.
The camp is designed to be inclusive of all participants, regardless of disability. For parents, morning sessions include lectures while the children participate in activities with Valjeviken and Wilhelm Foundation staff or their personal assistants. Activities include boat rides, wheelchair-accessible raft trips, nature walks, and gym games. Additional activities, such as pony riding, tandem kayaking, tandem bikes, four-person pedal cars, and Segways, are brought in for the children. In summer 2024, a small concert by Tuta & Kör and visits from therapy dogs trained for children with disabilities were highly appreciated. All activities are adapted to meet the needs of children with undiagnosed diseases.
Popular events include pool parties and time in the gymnasium, with accessible equipment such as wheelchairs available for fun activities like "wheelchair trains" and ball games. Meals are shared, whether the child is tube-fed or on a special diet, and a pizza night is a favorite part of the camp.
Creating a Safe and Understanding Space
Parents often describe the camp as the first time their child doesn’t feel different, where no one stares or avoids them. “Here, the children are just like everyone else, and parents can relax, knowing their whole family can enjoy quality time together,” one parent noted. For siblings, the camp is invaluable as it allows them to see their sick sibling treated like everyone else.
Families also engage in exciting activities together, fostering connections with other families in similar situations. The camp is a place where children with undiagnosed diseases and their siblings are the central focus.
A Unique Location
We are incredibly grateful to host the camp at Valjeviken, a perfect location for a summer camp. Families can enjoy boating, swimming in various pools, and the joy of summer alongside new friends.
The Wilhelm Foundation’s primary goal with the camp is to break the isolation many families experience. For many, it is their first opportunity to meet other families with a child who has an undiagnosed disease. Parents often express relief and happiness at finally connecting with others who understand them without needing explanation.
Interested in Joining? Do you have a child with an undiagnosed disease? You are warmly welcome to join the Wilhelm Foundation’s Parent Group on Facebook.
