The Magical World of Adventure Camp

Some say it’s a magical place. They can’t believe their eyes. The kids, however, just say, “I CAN!” At Variety Adventure Camp, boundaries are truly thrown out the window when campers have the opportunity to try all types of activities – each adapted to their differing abilities.

So what if many use wheelchairs or walkers? No worries, campers donned ice skates and felt their feet glide across the ice as their counselor buddies pushed them. Others simply needed the sure hand of a buddy to stay steady. They also learned hockey tips from Variety Board Member Cathy Dunkin and her teammates from the St. Louis Edge – a women’s ice hockey team. In the pool, children were weightless and could move about in ways they never thought were possible. The more daring ones soared down the slide, flashing a huge grin just before hitting the water.

Teen campers played adapted tennis, learning about forehand and backhand just as any budding tennis player does. Some were rallying like a pro by the third week of camp! The teen group also visited L’École Culinaire to learn about cooking from the pros, and went horseback riding at Equine Assisted Therapy. There, they experienced the thrill of sitting up straight while the horse’s legs carried them around the ring.

All campers created masterpieces in arts and crafts, learned new songs and played exotic instruments in music, mastered “The Chicken Dance” in movement, and played whiffle ball and soccer in sports. Some even rode a bike for the first time, when Creative Mobility visited camp with several types of therapeutic bikes for all abilities.

New best friends were found, complete with saved seats and invitations to birthday parties. And, as always, the relationship between camper and counselor is a special one – one that so often lasts long after camp ends.

The last day of camp brought a few tears from kids who couldn’t believe it was over, but the joy felt throughout the rooms let you know it was another successful summer of camp. Campers and counselors are already looking forward to Variety Adventure Camp 2012!

To see all of this for yourself, take a look at our photos!