Journey Around the World

WFH USA designs an innovative game for bleeding disorder summer camps to raise awareness of the needs of people with hemophilia in developing countries…and to have a bit of fun.

Cossack dancing, a pyramid puzzle, an African hunting game, a Nepalese hacky sack made of rubber bands, and an origami swan.

They were all part of Journey Around the World, an interactive game designed, produced, and distributed by WFH USA. More than 3,000 campers and staff in 32 summer camps across the U.S. were involved in the project to raise awareness of bleeding disorders.

Camp Bold Eagle Journey Around the World program

During the game, campers supplied with WFH USA passports visited eight ‘countries’ set up in booths and tables around the campsite. To earn a passport stamp, the young travelers had to participate in a game or activity related to each country.

“We designed Journey Around the World to show kids aged 7 to 17 what it’s like to grow up with hemophilia in countries with different levels of healthcare,” says Michael Rosenthal, WFH USA National Director. “We also tried to teach participants something about each country’s achievements and popular activities.”

These included a Cossack dance from Russia, as performed by the notorious monk Rasputin, and Springbok, a vigorous game played in Botswana to develop the listening and reflex skills needed to hunt the African antelope. Quieter activities included the construction of an origami swan and a world-record paper airplane.

Campers also heard poignant, real life accounts of the challenges faced by patients their age who lack access to factor concentrates and proper care.“The idea is that if they learn about someone else with hemophilia, they are also learning about themselves,” says Rosenthal.

In discussions that followed the game, campers were asked to describe treatment in other countries and compare it with their own experience. Participants were also asked to explain what happens to people with bleeding disorders if they are undiagnosed.

“Journey Around the World went really well,” says Rosenthal. “Campers responded enthusiastically when asked if they’d like to help people with hemophilia in other countries.”

“Participants were also encouraged to write about hemophilia in school reports and projects, using information from the WFH USA website. By sharing this knowledge with their school friends, teachers and others, our young travelers will really spread the word.”

“We’re now looking at ways to expand the Journey concept. The positive feedback from both campers and hemophilia community leaders shows a desire in the U.S. to create a better understanding of bleeding disorders worldwide and the importance of access to care and treatment.”

Click here for more information about the program.

The WFH is grateful for the support of Wyeth, now a part of Pfizer, of the Journey Around the World program.

November 2009