Sunny Shores Sea Camp was the idea of three people:  Falcon Batchelor (who had CF), Doctor Robert McKey (CF Doctor) and Dick Gilmore (parent of CF).  Through personal experience, Falcon knew how much being in and around the salt water helped his condition.  The initial idea for a camp was to bring CF kids and teens together so that they could have a summer camp experience at no cost to their families.  These campers would be introduced to salt water, exercise, healthy diet and positive CF role models, therein giving the attendees a greater knowledge of cystic fibrosis which could help them live better lives.  Additionally, most campers bonded with others attendees who understood their disease.  These contacts forged lasting friendships.  Founded in 1980, Sunny Shores Sea Camp continues to be a very special place for people with cystic Fibrosis.

In July 1990, Falcon lost his battle with CF but his memory has been honored by continuing his legacy for helping children and young adults with CF.  In the years since Falcon’s death, other volunteers, including but not limited to, Dana Munsey (CF), Karen Disney (Respiratory Therapist), Bob Brombach, Doctor Robert McKey, Ed & Gina Loos, Rick Tedlow (Nurse) Doctor Michael Light & Camille & Daniel Smith have continued to make camp happen each summer. 

Over the years Sunny Shores has changed its format from a residential summer camp for children to a week-long respite camp for children, young adults and their immediate families.  The summer camp experience comes in the form of a three-night, four-day camp that allows attendees to gain tools and information which will help them to lead more active lives.  Nutrition, exercise, hand-washing, positive mental well-being and general lung health are closely linked.  The camp’s programs address these issues. Attendees meet contemporaries their own age and family members meet others coping with this illness.  Parents have the privilege of being able to relax while listening and gaining helpful, lifelong information from doctors, guest speakers, and successful people living with Cystic Fibrosis.  For the past two decades, there has never been a charge to participants of this camp.  All proceeds from the fundraisers go directly to this camp experience, as Sunny Shores Sea Camp is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization that has worked in conjunction with companies, foundations, and community leaders for the past twenty nine years.   Our success would not be possible without the generosity of the South Florida community in conjunction with our golf sponsors, product sponsors, donors and volunteers.  All Board members and volunteers of Sunny Shores Sea Camp gladly donate their time.  Their only reward is the gratitude these attendees so freely express.  All net proceeds donated to Sunny Shores go directly to supporting camp.

With advances in medicine we look forward to the day when Sunny Shores Sea Camp is no longer available.  Until then we will do whatever it takes to assure that Sunny Shores happens each and every summer.