Amputee Coalition

It’s hard to believe that the Amputee Coalition Youth Camp began 10 years ago! The camp has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 2000. In 2009, the Amputee Coalition brought in 50 campers from 21 states, with one camper coming all the way from Australia! Each year, campers age 10 to 17 travel to the Amputee Coalition Youth Camp to learn from each other, gain support from those who know what it is like to be an amputee and, most importantly, to have fun.

“This week is something I look forward to every year because it is the best week of my life,” exclaimed one camper.

The 2009 Amputee Coalition Youth Camp was held July 25-29 at Camp Joy in Clarksville, Ohio. Programs included many traditional activities such as canoeing, fishing and swimming. One of the most exciting activities for the campers has been the high ropes course. This fully accessible ropes course offers all campers the opportunity to participate regardless of skill or level of amputation. “Participating in the ropes course made me feel that I could do anything if I put my mind to it,” said one camper. For many, the ropes course is the highlight of the week.

Each evening, the campers look forward to special events. On Sunday night, campers sang their hearts out at the first ever Amputee Coalition Camp Idol event. This event was similar to a popular TV show where contestants compete to become the next singing sensation. Campers signed up to sing or perform in front of the entire camp.

This year’s camp dance gave campers a “Night in Hollywood.” Campers paraded the red carpet and enjoyed seeing their name on their very own Hollywood star. They learned new dance moves, gained confidence in a social activity and made memories.

Skits, camp songs and s’mores were all hits on the final evening of camp. The last night always brings hugs of joy and a few tears as campers share e-mail addresses, take pictures and hope to see each other again next year.

Each year, campers consistently report that camp offers them an opportunity to meet young amputees and develop a sense of comfort in knowing that they are not alone. It is rewarding to see returning campers’ self-confidence grow each year. As they return, they begin to offer support to new and younger campers. One camper summed up what camp means in one sentence: “Camp gives me the chance to break out of my usual self, be more confident in who I am as an amputee, and overcome challenges I face in life.”

Camp would not be possible without the generous contributions and efforts of many individuals and companies. In total, the Amputee Coalition received over $120,000 in support of the camp. This funding was used to help pay for travel, camp rental and programming.

This year the Amputee Coalition launched the Lenny Pad Program to raise awareness and funding. Prosthetic facilities asked patients to donate a dollar or more to the camp. The program was hosted by seven prosthetic companies in over 50 offices across the nation. The Lenny Pad Program collected over $1,500 in its first year. The Amputee Coalition is exploring ways to expand this program to have a larger impact in 2010.

On behalf of the campers, whose smiles are a testament to the success of the Amputee Coalition Youth Camp, the Amputee Coalition would like to thank all of the donors who made this camp possible.
Major supporters this year were the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Ohio Willow Wood, Otto Bock HealthCare, Hanger Orthotics & Prosthetics, Doug Moore, Looking Above & Beyond, Inc., Melissa Shaw, the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics and the Sled Dog Fund. Support groups that held fundraising events included Active Amputee Support Group, Amputees Walking Together, Kessler Amputee Support Group and Support & Education for Amputees & Loved Ones.

The 2010 Amputee Coalition Youth Camp will be our biggest camp ever. It is our goal to host 100 campers in 2010. Keep a look out for the 2010 camp location and dates in October.