Photograph courtesy of the ACA.
Young people from across the nation found inspiration and new confidence at the tenth annual Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) Youth Camp. Fifty campers from 28 states, plus 11 counselors, gathered July 25-29 for a program of fun, team building, and self-discovery.
The program, which was held at Camp Joy Outdoor Education Center in Clarksville, Ohio, was provided at no cost to the campers, who are living with limb loss or limb differences. There, the young amputees had the opportunity to explore new sports and activities in a safe, accepting environment.
The ACA’s Camp Idol karaoke event was an especially huge hit among the campers this year. Following the event, camper John Karolides said, “This is the best night of my life.”
According to the ACA, this kind of reaction by campers is not unusual. “Every year, we have the great pleasure of seeing children leave camp with a sense of accomplishment and heightened self-esteem,” said Derrick Stowell, MS, CTRS, the ACA’s Youth Activities Program coordinator. “By trying new activities and meeting new people, the campers conquer their fears and discover that they are not defined by their disability.”
For more information, contact Derrick Stowell at dstowell@amputee-coalition.org or 888.267.5669 ext 8130.
