Nephrology

For children living with chronic and acute kidney disease, there are limited opportunities to engage in childhood activities. Arkansas Children’s works with families and community organizations to offer educational and enrichment activities that improve our patients’ quality of life. For example, patients with chronic kidney diseases, on dialysis or following kidney transplantation can attend a summer camp at no charge. Families can relax knowing that Arkansas Children’s will be involved in their child’s care at Camp Aldersgate, the only summer medical camp of its kind in Arkansas.

Because children need support year-round, Arkansas Children’s Child Life and Education department addresses the emotional, social, educational and recreational needs of hospitalized children of every age. Our Child Life department is recognized by the American Academy of Pediatrics and accredited by the Association of Child Life Professionals.

Also, children that are on hemodialysis may miss a significant amount of school, so our Child Life specialists coordinate with teachers to deliver lessons. And for those children who can’t join their peers for holiday celebrations, the Child Life department offers activities such as decorating cookies and making decorations.