The Amputee Coalition announced that a record 115 campers will attend the 2015 Paddy Rossbach Youth Camp, to be held July 10-15 at the Joy Outdoor Education Center, Clarksville, Ohio. The length of the camp has also been extended by one day. The traditional summer youth camp offers a full range of activities, including fishing, swimming, arts and crafts, zip lining, canoeing, sitting volleyball, hiking, a high ropes course, dance, archery, and more.
A unique aspect of the camp, according to Susan Stout, president and CEO of the Amputee Coalition, is that campers are not accompanied by their parents, which inspires campers to take on new challenges, be independent, test themselves, and build new friendships in a supportive, caring environment.
“I see some really remarkable kids and young adults go from being shy and self-conscious to bold and confident,” said Laura Freeman, CPO, who has a lower-limb amputation and has been a camp counselor for 11 years. “What an amazing experience it is for someone who has been the only amputee in their community to suddenly be surrounded by over 100 amputees their own age.”