Over 50 campers attend, from as far away as Florida and Wisconsin
(Cincinnati) Children from all over the United States converged on Cincinnati this weekend to start a week-long summer camp experience that is sure to be one of the best experiences of their life.
“Spending time with these kids at camp, you can see the determination, will and strength of their character – even when they probably would have wanted something else from life and yet, they continue to be positive and enthusiastic about opportunities ahead of them,” states Katie Schabell, child life specialist II at Shriners Hospitals for Children® — Cincinnati and a camp counselor for the past five years. “Having a burn injury doesn’t stop them one bit.”
This year there is a good mix of new and returning campers, varying from ages 9-16 and representing 17 states.
During the week-long adventure, campers enjoy fishing, archery, rafting, canoeing, swimming, high ropes and dancing! They accept new challenges, gain confidence, and rebuild self-esteem. Most importantly, they are able to forget about their burn injuries and get back to the business of being a kid. “I like everything about camp, because I can do everything and I know there are other kids out there just like me,” said one camper.
Coordinated entirely by hospital staff, the camp takes place June 5 - 10 at Camp Kern, a YMCA residential camp 30 minutes north of Cincinnati.
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, Shriners Hospitals for Children is able to provide this experience with no financial obligation to patients or families.