University of Minnesota's MAGIC Bus and Camp Odayin

MAGIC Bus and Camp Odayin Group Shot

The University of Minnesota M.A.G.I.C. Pass Program

St. Jude Medical (SJM) Foundation has partnered with the University of Minnesota to create The M.A.G.I.C. (Maroon And Gold In the Community) Pass program. The funding provided by SJM Foundation has allowed the University to provide opportunities and transportation via the M.A.G.I.C. Bus for Twin Cities area youth to attend mini health clinics at the U of M campus. Student-athletes teach the youngsters about living and eating healthy and the importance of exercise. The student-athletes also visit classrooms at area elementary and middle schools to teach the students various math and science focused experiments, and help the students set educational and healthy living goals. In 2009, the University was also able to expand the education base for the “Exercise your Heart and Mind” campaign, which encourages children to exercise to keep both heart and mind healthy. In 2009, the M.A.G.I.C. program had over 400 outreach events and the number is increasing every year.

Camp Odayin

Camp Odayin is a place where kids play, worries rest, and fun happens. Camp Odayin provides residential, day and family camp experiences as well as support opportunities for children with heart disease and their families. Campers discover outdoor, athletic and creative activities in a safe and medically supervised environment. Fully staffed by volunteer counselors, nurses and doctors, campers are able to experience summer camp and foster life long relationships among youth who share similar health, emotional and social concerns. The only cost for a camper to attend is a $25 registration fee. Camp Odayin is a nonprofit organization that relies on the support of foundations, businesses, individuals and fundraisers. Generous support from organizations including St. Jude Medical Foundation have helped fund this life changing experience for many children. 

Back to Who We Support

“The MAGIC Bus is the first of its kind in the country and has allowed us to create a model program for community outreach with the University of Minnesota and its student-athletes to the local community.”

Mark Nelson
Director of the McNamara Academic Center for Student-Athletes, University of Minnesota