Madden Open Hearts Camp
Private
Madden Open Hearts Camp is a free overnight camp for children ages 8-16 who have undergone and recovered from open-heart surgery or a heart transplant, set on 300 acres in the Berkshire Mountains near Great Barrington (founded 1960). Campers enjoy recreational, athletic, artistic, and cultural activities across age-specific sessions, plus a 'Special Hearts' session for children with related psycho-social needs. The camp is free to attend regardless of finances.
The practical details
We list only what the camp itself publishes, and programs change — dates, prices, ages and availability can all move after we check. Confirm the details on the camp’s own website and contact Madden Open Hearts Camp directly before you register or pay. Last checked August 2026.
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★★★★★Tonia RuffingI had open heart surgery in 1984 and I remember go to camp. I loved it. I met so many nice people there. The Madden's was so nice. We did so many things everyday. I remember we made a time capsule and buried it in the woods when we went on a hike. They taught us how to write letters to loved ones on birch tree bark. I can say so much more. I loved going to camp every summer. Thank you for the memories
★★★★★Susan Bell phelpsI had my Open Heart surgery in 1960, I am now 67 years old and can recall all of my adventures at Madden Farm and the gentle kind hearts of Mr and Mrs Madden like it was yesterday. They treated us like royalty when we were there, including a shopping adventure to town to buy our siblings a gift to bring home to them. Their hearts were bigger than life, my mom was a single mom and couldn’t get me to camp one summer and Mr and Mrs Madden sent their private limo to pick me up and take me home. When we had more campers than beds in the dorm during drop off and pick ups from camp they opened their home to us to stay in. Needless to say that was always an exciting adventure to us. I could go on and on my memories of their kindness and generosity has never and will never diminish. They were a gift from God and a blessing to all who met them!
★★★★★C HurdMy son , Michael Bowen, spent many summers at your camp. He loved every second of it.
★★★★★donna michalskiMy son Troy Michalski was a camper there in his youth. The entire experience was no doubt the best days ever in his life. I can't actually speak for him but, I highly highly recommend this as an inspiration to anyone in the situation. David was the tops!
★★★★★Joshua KnollJust outstanding! I has so many wonderful memories of this camp and the friends I meet heart in the mid 1990's. It's worth checking out for sure.