Just posted:
A Camp for Amputees
Pittsburgh Post Gazette - June
18, 2008
See Video
Tribute here.
(Camp Star counselor Sara Miller and co-director
Cindy McCue talk about how camp has affected their lives as amputees)
Camp
STAR Returns for Teens with Amputations
Pittsburgh Post Gazette - June 18, 2008
Read
here.
Special
Needs Camps
Recognizing
how valuable a camp experience can be in building the confidence and
self-esteem of those who are physically and mentally challenged, the
administrators of YMCA Camp Kon-O-Kwee/Spencer have developed innovative
adaptive camping programs to serve the special needs of these populations.The
climbing initiative located in the Camp Spencer Barn is accessible to
all of the Camp's participants, providing an opportunity to confront
fears and obstacles, enhance self esteem and encourage risk taking in
a controlled, safe environment. It is a favorite among the Adolescent
Amputee Campers.
Camp
Spencer is home to the Association for Retarded Citizens summer program.
Each summer over 800 children and adults with mental and physical challenges
come to camp to stretch their limits and horizons. YMCA Camp Kon-O-Kwee/Spencer
is expanding and improving its Nature Trail system so that it may be
enjoyed by all its participants.
A chapter of the Harley Owner's
Group (HOG) graciously provides motorcycle rides for the B.O.L.D. group
which consists of visually impaired participants.
Children and adults with
blindness, severe burns, heart disease, cerebral palsy, kidney disease,
teen amputation, mental retardation, hearing impairment, muscular dystrophy,
as well as social and emotional disorders come to camp to spend time
in an enjoyable, accepting atmosphere. The Kon-O-Kwee/Spencer bridge
allows for children from all walks of life to come together, making
it truly one of the most inclusive and unique camping programs in the
country.
Camp Kon-O-Kwee/Spencer is proud to serve a larger segment of the special
needs population than any other similar program in the United States!
From a recent article
in the Pittsburgh Tribune Review by Joan Greene, printed May 10, 2007:
"In 1991, volunteers built a bridge connecting the original Camp
Kon-O-Kwee to the Camp Spencer area, which houses the blind, burn, amputee
and heart camps. Last year, 11,000 special-needs campers visited Camp
Kon-O-Kwee/Spencer.
Barbara Kramer coordinated
the senior adult programs and many of the programs for children with
disabilities. "I learned that their disabilities didn't hold them
back," she said. "The camp was our mission and passion, and
we tried to make the experience positive for everyone."
Peggy Walsh, 58, of Oakland,
is blind and has been coming to the camp for several years. "The
minute I step off the bus, I feel like I'm coming home," she said.
"Uncle Harry and Aunt Barbara have such a sense of warmth and vision.
It is like you can be a kid again."
