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Keeping the Beat Retreat

Every year, Boston Children’s Hospital patients who have pacemakers or implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) come together for a heart-healthy camp weekend on Cape Cod. Every activity, schedule choice, and safety measure is designed around each child’s medical needs so they can focus on exploring nature and laughing with new friends.

What is Keeping the Beat Retreat like?

For more than two decades, campers have described the weekend as one of the highlights of their year. Many of them return several times, building friendships and strengthening our community. During the retreat, children and teens can:

  • Meet other children who also have pacemakers or ICDs
  • Share stories, compare experiences, and take comfort that they’re not alone
  • Become more independent and responsible and gain respect for others
  • Try new and exciting activities at their own pace and build confidence in what their bodies and hearts can do
  • Explore more than 300 acres of forests, meadows, and freshwater ponds
  • Enjoy dancing or arts and crafts
  • Climb a rock wall, play pick-up sports games, or swim
  • Kayak, zipline, or try other adventures

Who can attend Keeping the Beat Retreat and how do we sign up?

Keeping the Beat Retreat is open to past and present Boston Children’s Hospital cardiology patients, ages 6 to 17, who have pacemakers or ICDs. If your child is interested in attending or you would like more information, email keepingthebeat@cardio.chboston.org.

Spots are limited and many campers return year after year, so we encourage you to reach out early if you are considering the retreat for your child.

When and where is it held?

Keeping the Beat Retreat takes place over a weekend in September at Camp Burgess & Hayward in Sandwich, Mass. Campers can attend for one day or both days without staying overnight or choose the full sleepover experience if they feel ready. Transportation is provided from Boston Children’s Hospital main campus to Camp Burgess and back.

What is the cost of the retreat?

There is no fee to attend. The entire experience is made possible by donors. If you are interested in supporting the retreat, please visit our Keeping the Beat Retreat fundraising page.

Who provides medical supervision?

A camper is never far from expert care. Boston Children’s doctors and nurses from our Electrophysiology team are on site for the entire weekend and will:

  • Provide medications on schedule
  • Monitor campers’ health and devices
  • Help determine which activities are appropriate
  • Be available for any questions or concerns

This close collaboration between our team and your child’s medical team allows children to try new things but never be pushed beyond their comfort level. Working with our medical team, a family decides which activities are right for their child.