About the Camp
Each spring in Miami - Florida, Nicklaus Children's Hospital hosts a free week-long overnight camp 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 Dr. Moises Simpser VACC Camp gives families a fun opportunity to socialize with peers and enjoy activities not readily accessible to technology dependent children. The program includes swimming, field trips to local attractions, campsite entertainment, structured games, "free play", and more - all to promote family growth and development while enhancing individual self-esteem and social skills. Parents have formal and informal opportunities to network among themselves.
This book is designed to illustrate the impact of VACC Camp on the many people who have been involved in camp. This includes the campers, their families and the many people who have made VACC Camp possible throughout the past 31 years. Download the book
Since the program was founded in 1986, more than 180 families, some of whom have traveled from 27 states and three countries, have benefitted from this unique experience.
VACC Camp takes place in part at A.D. Barnes Park.
A.D. Barnes Park
3401 SW 72 Avenue
Miami, FL 33155
305-665-5319
A map to the park can be found here.
Maria E. Franco, MD
Dr. Maria Franco, a pediatric pulmonologist at Nicklaus Children's Hospital, became the Director of The Dr. Moises Simpser VACC Camp in October 2017. Dr. Franco was the Asthma program director from 1998 to 2005.
Dr. Moises Simpser, MD, FAAP, FCCP (1946-2017)
Dr. Moises Simpser, pediatric pulmonologist at Nicklaus Children's Hospital, was the VACC Camp's founder and director for 30 years; he led the camp since its inception in 1986. Dr. Simpser was honored multiple times for his community service and his efforts to improve the quality of life of children afflicted with respiratory conditions. Dr. Simpser passsed away in late 2017.
Each and every one of our Staff, Pals, and Volunteers are VIPs (Very Important People) for without them and love, dedication and direction of VACC Camp Founder Moises Simpser, M.D., camp would not be a reality for the campers and their families.
In 1986, the first Ventilation Assisted Children's Center Camp took place during the summer and operated in collaboration with SKIP of Florida.
The Dr. Moises Simpser VACC Camp Memorial book celebrates over 30 years of Camp history.
The boook illustrates the impact VACC Camp has had on the many families, campers, volunteers and staff that have made this event possible.
Photo galleries and albums from previous VACC Camps and VACC Camp events.