MORELAND HILLS, Ohio -- Most people have fun memories from their trips to summer camp as a kid, as it was their first opportunity to spend time away from their parents and enjoy a big slumber party.

But there's a summer camp going on right now in northeast Ohio that's unlike any other.

NewsChannel5's Alicia Booth reported that local hospitals are pooling their resources to make a difference in the lives of children.

How often do you get to see a child in a walker shooting baskets and making them or a child who can't walk or even breathe on his own getting a chance to pet an exotic animal?

The only chance most of these children get to go outside is a trip to the doctor, except for one week once a year for the Fresh Air Camp at Hiram House in Moreland Hills. It's a summer camp especially for kids who are dependent on ventilators to breathe.

Pamela Simmons said that she's amazed at what the camp provides for children like her daughter, Katherine.

"It brought me to tears," she said.

Instead of standing out in a crowd, the kids are the crowd.

"Now she doesn't notice when people are staring, but the older kids do, and I know her sister gets upset when people are staring at her, and to be able to come to a place like this where you're the norm (is great)," Simmons said.

The kids all need help breathing, but for different reasons.

"(In) August of 1999, I was getting the mail and I was hit by a (drunken) driver," Robbie Arnold, 16, said.

Arnold is paralyzed from the neck down, but his mind and his future are bright. He went to the first camp last year, and he couldn't wait to come back.

"The memories, the spirit just stays with me," he said.

The camp is like many other summer camps. The kids bunk up and tell stories -- the only difference is that they bring their life-sustaining equipment with them.

The cost of pulling all the camp off for 18 campers is about $70,000 for six days. And that's with all staff members volunteering their time, from high school students to pediatricians like Fred, who's using his own vacation time to be at the camp for medical backup.

But the camp is really not about medicine -- it's about giving these kids a chance to be kids and make friends. Katherine and her friend, Mason, first met in the hospital and are continuing their friendship at camp.

The camp is free for the attendees. Parents can visit if they want, but many use the time to take a little breather for themselves, NewsChannel5 reported.