Welcome to CHAMP Camp . . . a place of discovery, growth, and independence . . . where no one sits on the sidelines and no one worries about being different. We are a camp for children and adolescents, ages 6 to 18, who have tracheostomies and those who require respiratory assistance, including the use of ventilators. Many of our campers also have unique physical challenges, including quadriplegia. Our days are rich with adventure and experience. CHAMP Camp is held for a week, typically near the end of June. We are currently housed at Bradford Woods in Martinsville, Indiana, just south of Indianapolis. Prior to the campers’ arrival, counselors spend two days in orientation and team building. Traditional activities such as fishing, pontoon boating, canoeing, creative arts, swimming, horseback riding, nature and stream study are highlights of the week. The 50-foot alpine tower and new zip lines promise an exciting adventure. Each evening we have an inclusive all-camp program, which may be a talent show, dance, cookout, or campfire! Presently, plans are underway to add a state-of-the-art wheelchair accessible tree house to our “can-do” program. CHAMP Camp counselors are comprised of many different people including health care professionals who at camp are friends and mentors. They listen, play, laugh, and know how to create and recognize magic moments. They are talented in many ways beyond their clinical skills . . . they can compose songs, initiate a hike through the woods, recognize the hoot of an owl, cheerlead at new achievements, and bait a fishing line. They live in the cabins with the campers to monitor and provide medical interventions round the clock. We staff 2.5 counselors for every camper guaranteeing a good mix of caring and sharing. We make a considerable effort not to “smother” or “hover” over our enthusiastic participants, and within safe bounds, CHAMP Campers have the freedom to explore the many facets of the outdoor environment. Seventy-five percent of our counselors are nurses, respiratory therapists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, child life specialists, teachers, recreation professionals, and physicians. Other devoted volunteers include university students majoring in a health care discipline, as well as rehabilitation specialists who assist with equipment and technical, logistical support. CHAMP Camp is a community where victories, big and small, are celebrated. Campers build faith in themselves and trust in others . . . and it’s here where grand accomplishments happen because of imagination and motivation.
