Local students attend camp for kids with heart conditions

Camas — Merry Heart Children’s Camp, which started last year, aims to provide a safe, nurturing and fun outdoor experience for children and teens with heart conditions. In late August of this year, 36 campers from Washington and Oregon participated at the camp outside of Sandy, Ore. Two local participants attended the camp this year: Ben Stricker, 17, a senior at Union High School, and Jaidin Compton of Vancouver. Stricker, who recently had heart surgery, served as a counselor for the younger boys cabin. “Camp is an incredible opportunity for kids with heart conditions to get to know others who have faced the same things,” Stricker said, according to a release from the camp. “Even as a counselor, I did not know other people with heart conditions until this camp. We all share a special bond.” For more information, visit www.merryheartchildrenscamp.org.