About Our Camp


Everyone wants to feel normal. To have a sense of belonging and community. To participate in the same activities and have shared experiences with others. For the 40,000 kids born with heart conditions every year, finding others who can relate to testing, risky procedures, even open-heart surgery—sometimes more than once—can be difficult. For their families, watching a loved one struggle with the physical and emotional scars of being different while trying to make sure they’re safe and cared for presents its own unique challenges.

Camp Bon Coeur is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization depending solely on monetary and in-kind contributions and services for its camp operation. Contributions can be sent to the camp office or can be processed online through the button below.

Please make checks out to

Camp Bon Coeur
300 Ridge Road Suite K
Lafayette, LA 70506

     



Meet Our Counselors & Staff


Susannah Craig

Executive Director

I have been with Camp Bon Coeur since 1999, recently completing my 25th summer camp at CBC!

Susannah Craig

Executive Director

Shana Zanyk

Head Nurse

I have been a camp nurse at Camp Bon Coeur since 2005. I volunteered for 3 shifts the first year and was amazed at the atmosphere. Everyone was so energetic, caring, and fun to be around that I started volunteering every year. I have enjoyed watching the campers grow into strong, resilient, self-reliant adults. A few years later, I joined CBC’s Executive Board of Directors. It is an honor to be a part of something that can help so many children with congenital heart defects.

Since I have been a member of the CBC team so long, I have known some campers since they were 1 year old. Watching the children grow and learn how to exceed their own expectations is one of the best things about Camp Bon Coeur.

I have been a nurse for 25 years and have worked in ICU, an ambulatory surgery center, Burn ICU and now at the Heart Hospital of Lafayette. I am married and have 4 children. CBC is an important part of my life.

Shana Zanyk

Head Nurse

"MerBen" Handley

Archery/Canoeing Instructor

I have been with Camp Bon Coeur for the last 15 years in many different roles. I am a biologist by training, and a geologist and erstwhile puzzle designer by trade. I enjoy the outdoors, reading, learning, playing games, and socializing. I spent a couple of years growing up within a few hundred yards of the Panama Canal and have lived in Louisiana almost half my life, but I will always consider Virginia home.

The best thing for me at camp is seeing kids grow beyond their conditions and develop over the years as individuals. Knowing that I have played a part in helping heart kids find out who they are as people instead of who they are as conditions is incredibly fulfilling.

"MerBen" Handley

Archery/Canoeing Instructor