paddy rossbach youth camp · 2017 amputee coalition paddy rossbach youth camp | 2 camp. for many of...

2017 PADDY ROSSBACH YOUTH CAMP

Memory Book

July 7-12, 2017

2017 Amputee Coalition Paddy Rossbach Youth Camp | 1

Our Camp MissionTo make a difference in the lives of children with limb loss and limb difference by increasing their self-confidence and self-esteem through a traditional and supportive summer camp experience.

TABLE OF CONTENTSOUR CAMP MISSION 1

CAMP 2

HOME AWAY FROM HOME 3

OUR CAMPERS HAD GREAT THINGS TO SAY ABOUT THEIR EXPERIENCE 4

PERPETUAL MOTION 5

WHAT ACTIVITY WAS YOUR FAVORITE? 6

WHERE ARE WE FROM? 7

ALL THE FEELS 9

FUN WITH A PURPOSE IS STILL FUN 11

CAMP FROM THE PARENT’S PERSPECTIVE 13

COUNSELORS, CAMPERS AND CONNECTIONS 15

THANK YOU 18

THANK YOU TO OUR CAMP DONORS 19

NOTES 21


Camp.For many of us, it means hot summer nights, time on the lake, meeting new friends, and

testing our limits.

For the 131 kids who came to our Paddy Rossbach Youth Camp this summer, camp means

even more than that. It is often the moment, more than any other time, when they feel like

they are around other kids who really understand what their lives are like. Ella, one of our

campers, said it best: “It just feels like home.”

As the chairman of the board for the Amputee Coalition, it is a program that I believe makes

a powerful difference in our camper’s lives. As they arrive in Ohio from their homes across the

country they shed inhibitions, lower their guard, and learn more about themselves and what

they are truly capable of doing.

With campers from ages 10 to 19, most leave already planning to return the following year. As

they grow older, many plan on becoming counselors in order to give back to their peers and

their community.

And perhaps most importantly, our campers give back to us at the Coalition too. They

challenge us to keep working hard, to recognize that we don’t just serve today’s community,

but that what we accomplish today sets the tone for what our kids will experience tomorrow.

Seeing our campers laugh and play and swim and climb makes all of our other programs all

the more meaningful. As board chair, I can assure you that the Amputee Coalition is doing

everything it can to ensure that people living with limb difference and limb loss have the

resources they need to live well. See you at camp next year.

Dan Berschinski

Chairman of the Board

Amputee Coalition

P.S. I can’t wait for our 10th year at Camp Joy (and 18th Camp)! Mark your calendars for

June 11-16, 2018.


“The thought of seeing my old friends again, meeting new ones, and participating in activities made me jump with excitement. Camp crept up on me and once the day came, I was so excited to get on the plane, fly to Ohio, and return to camp.”~2017 Camper

HOME AWAY FROM HOME


Our survey said:• 100% felt that camp was a fun week.

• 100% had a counselor of camp staff role model.

• 99.2% felt good about themselves at camp.

• 98.4% worked as a team member.

• 89.8% learned a new skill at camp.

OUR CAMPERS HAD GREAT THINGS TO SAY ABOUT THEIR EXPERIENCE


“Over the course of the camp, I had so much fun participating in archery, arts and crafts, candle making , rock climbing, ukulele lessons, campfires, cabin time, pool time, and so much more.”~2017 Camper

PERPETUAL MOTION


WHAT ACTIVITY WAS YOUR FAVORITE?

“Pioneer life – we got to make candles and play a board game about the Oregon Trail.”

“The amazing camp race because it helped everyone work together.”

“I liked archery and the dance because they were most enjoyable.”

“Rock climbing because I could figure out how much strength I have.”

“Mountain biking because it was fast-paced.”

“Culinary arts. I love cooking.”

“I liked arts and crafts because I like art.” “Swimming. I love being in the water.”

“The dance because it was fun and it had girls.”


WHERE ARE WE FROM?

1(D.C.)

24

2

317

23

5

4

45

3

2

2

4

51

41

7

8

2 1

61

1

5

1

3

26

2

1RI

3

1

6

2

3

1

31

2

LONDON, ENGLAND -1


“When I first set foot off the plane and saw some familiar faces, memories from past years flooded me with excitement and joy.”~2017 Camper

TOTAL CAMP FLIGHT MILES:273,006!


ALL THE FEELS

“Some campers, like me, come in shy, afraid, or nervous but, as soon as camp ends, they are a more confident and outgoing person.”~2017 Camper


“As a mother who worries about Dominic’s acceptance from kids at school or his daily struggles just participating in gym class, I cannot begin to express to you how incredibly grateful I am for the Coalition and the wonderful work that you are all doing to help our children feel confident and not alone in this world.”~Gayle, Camper’s Mother


FUN WITH A PURPOSE IS STILL FUN

Zip Zap ZoomThis game is one our counselors use to help everyone get to know each other.

Get into the infamous circle with one person in the middle. Look at the person

on your left (Zip) and then the person on your right (Zap). The person in the

center goes up to someone in the circle and says either Zip, Zap, or Zoom. If he/

she says Zip, the person they are facing must name the person on his/her left. If

Zap, they name the person on their right. If the person sitting down takes too

long to answer or messes up, he/she replaces the person in the middle, who then

takes their chair. If the person says Zoom, everybody must change chairs.


“I know that meeting other amputees and getting involved in outdoor activities did a great deal for me physically and physiologically. It’s so important that kids have access to a community of their peers.”~Daniel, Camp Counselor


CAMP FROM THE PARENT’S PERSPECTIVE

“My child learned that she is capable of anything. She made lifelong friends and gained a new confidence in herself. She also learned empathy and compassion when learning some campers are not as confident about their limb difference as she is.”


“My child loved the camp. It was the first year attending and will come back year after year, she said. Being around other children with limb differences enables my child to let her guard down and see other others adapt.”

“These are the best five days of his year. They keep him sane the other 360 days. He was a 6th-year camper this time around and we have made the family decision that him attending this camp will be our number 1 priority for each summer that he is allowed to attend. He has a wide variety of other interests and opportunities, but this camp time is far superior to anything else. We cannot express enough just how much our son benefits from feeling “normal” at some point of his year and this is the only place where he has found that unconditional acceptance.”


Starting with our very first campers in 2000,

personal growth has come from the power of

example. Paddy Rossbach, who is an amputee and

former Amputee Coalition president, spent time

eye-level with the littlest campers, encouraging

them to experiment and explore.

We have continued to follow her example, with

counselors who share their experience of growing

up with limb difference and limb loss. As role

models, they bring the power of passion and

positivity to the challenges of transitioning from

youth to adult.

They give of their time and their hearts, many

inspired by their experience as campers. Their

actions speak loudly, helping campers learn about

leadership, about being comfortable in their own

skin, and helping others gain that confidence too.

With the help of our amazing volunteers, the

Paddy Rossbach Youth Camp helps inspire and

change lives far past the time spent together in

the wilderness.

COUNSELORS, CAMPERS AND CONNECTIONS

“The world is changed by your example, not by your opinion.”~Paulo Coelho


“The boys in my cabin were all amazing. I have no doubt each and every one of them will grow up to be empowered and confident young men.

Not only were all the counselors supportive and enthusiastic about camp, so were the staff! They were all very approachable and passionate about what they do, which made the camp extra special.”


“I love how in the first few days, hours, or even moments of when camp starts, you get to see the changes in your cabin-mates from how they would usually be back home, to the real person inside of them.”~2017 Camper


The Amputee Coalition, all the campers, their families and counselors would like to give a heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated to camp. Without their selfless financial gifts, this week of memories would not be possible.

Even as we enjoy the memories of 2017, the Amputee Coalition staff is already busy working on 2018. From planning programs to reviewing applications to starting fundraising, we are excited to be celebrating our 10th year at Camp Joy from June 11-16, 2018!

In 2017, for the first time, we were unable to send every youth who applied to camp, due to a funding shortage. Please help the Coalition ensure that everyone who wants to attend camp has that opportunity. Donate to Camp 2018.

For more information on how to make a camper’s dream come true, call 703/330-1699, ext. 7105 or contact [email protected].


Thank you to the HEROES of AMP CAMP!

Sleepaway camp is a memorable part of childhood. As adults, we still carry the positive glow of those memories and reflect on

them often. Eighteen years ago, the Amputee Coalition saw a need to provide that same experience to youths with limb loss or

limb difference.

Over the years, thanks to the generosity of our national sponsors and donors, the Coalition has been able to grant the week

of a lifetime to most of the campers who applied. However, in 2017, for the first time, the Coalition had to deny campers that

experience, due to a funding shortage. We are working hard to expand our options. If you’d like to help, please contact our

Development Department at [email protected].

Without the generosity of organizations and people like you, the Amputee Coalition couldn’t provide a week of feeling

“normal” for youths with limb loss or limb difference. For that, we are truly grateful.

2017 Amputee Coalition National Sponsors

Platinum Gold

BronzeAmerican Boardfor Certification inOrthotics, Prostheticsand Pedorthics, Inc. (ABC) Scheck & Siress

Ability DynamicsKenney Orthopedics

Silver


Camp Donors$1,000 and aboveAmerican Board for Certification in

Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics, Inc.

Robert Arbogast

Arlene Carpenter

Cincinnati Dreams Come True (Sponsoring kids from Ohio)

Stephen Cobb

Michael Elkins

The Given Limb Foundation

Karen Hasty

Jason Kahle, CPO, FAAOP

Karen Lewis

Alisa Marcal

Kathy Miller

Optimus Prosthetics

OttoBock Healthcare, Inc.

Dustin Richard

Jack Richmond

Anita Veldman

Thomas Veldman

Christine Weston

$500 - $999Joseph Armstrong

Carole Folta

Get Your Limb On Support Group – Seguin

George Gondo

Denise Hoffmann

Ted Homan

Dan Ignaszewski

Sunghan Jin

Donna Knudtson

Donald MacInnes

John Matsuura

Cheryl McElroy

Paddy Rossbach

Shamona Creek Elementary School

$100 - $499William Beiswenger

Dianne Bengel

Roxanne Bobb-Semple

Terry Brady

Deborah Brandt

Robert Brown

Ann Caires

Marita Carozza

Arlene Carpenter

Robert Carr

Richard Castro

Diane Cimino

Linda Coleman

Bobby Coles

Brian & Sandra D’Amico

Charles Dankmeyer

Tom Deupree

Thomas DiBello

Joe Direnza

Richard Doerr

Kim Doolan

Mark Driscoll

Bill Dupes

Christopher Fairman

John Farley

Giuliana Farris

Ed Finnegan

Karen Fitzpatrick

Danielle Fuller

Lindsay Garrity

Ryan Gleeson

Judy Goude

John Haas

Don Hardin

Heather Harris

April Hessler

Amy Hopkins

Kenneth Jobe

Benjamin Jones

Daniel Jones

Burton Judson

John M. Kenney

Eva Klein

Roger & Sandy Kling

Abby Langdon

William Lester

Karen Lewis

Justin Liang

Edna Lilienthal

Libby Louwagie

Hans Lux

Kevin Manuel

Catherine Marinoff

Marci Mayo

Michael Menz

Dale Miller

Troy Miranda

Laura Mitchell

John Naft

Peggy Nance

Joanne Neff

Argal Oberquell

Dorothy Oritz

Tim Ozmun

Terri Patterson



Elisa Peacock

Anne Pelosof

John Peters

Butch Plotner

Anthony Potter

Kevin Ramos

Mark Reed

Teresa Regard

John Reynolds

Sally Ritchey

Roselyn Robbins

Charlie Rose

Reena Rughani

Don Rypma

Ron Sanders

Brett Saunders

Erica Shannon

Paul Simone

Maureen Smart

Timothy Spencer

James Stanley

Cosimo Storniolo

Kathy Sundmark

L.A. Thomas

George Vollmuth

Richard Welch

Kandice Wilcox

Sandi Wilson

Joan Zinter

Up to $99Kristi Akers

Linda Alden

Stanley Androlowicz

Paolo Astorga

Debbie Ayres

Ryan Bahr

Angie Barker

Patricia Barry

Devon Bernard

Pamela Bevelhymer

Theresa Bielecki

Michael Bilinski

Georgia Black

Katy Bonnin

John Bowker

Kathleen Boyd

Judith Braun

Walter Braxton

Rita Breier

Mike Brughelli

Katherine Burtin

Michael Burton

Estelio Cabarcas

Chris Carera

Catherine Carter

Anna Cassar

Rosemarie Chester

Mary Jo Cole

Deborah Conley

Kathy Corbett

Antoinette Cornell

Dennis Cotter

Katherine Cunningham

Joan & Dave Dallas

Willard Davis

Gerardo De Alba

Don DeBolt

Marshall Deitch

Holly Devenney

Michael Doerflein

Carl Dupoldt

Joan Edelstein

Akalvizhy Elanko

Jose Falagan

Kevin Falk

David R. Felts

Robert Fink

Margaret Finnigan

Rebecca Fisher

Stephen Fletcher

Mary Frazer

Joseph Furnival

Linda Gilchrist

Colin Gittens

Kellie Gleeson

Pam Gleeson

Ryan Gleeson

Joe Gormley

Paul Gosiewski

Ed Grebenstein

Rachel Grosserode

Beverly Hancock

Cassandra Harris

Everett Heath

Cheryl Heim

Gary Heim

Mathew & Tracy Hein

Ava Herbrick

Michael Hilton

Maureen Howard

Fred Ingersoll

Susanne Jensen

Kristin Kahl

Leo M. Kahl, Sr.

George Kaplan



Thank you to Jonathan Cowley and Corniche Travel, who helped make sure our campers arrived in Ohio safely.

Finally, we are especially grateful to Camp Joy for hosting us. We are looking forward to celebrating our 10th year at Camp Joy, June 11-16, 2018.


Warren Kaplan

Brenda Kelly

Joel Kempfer

Brittany Kephart

Samlane Ketevong

Bonnie Kostka

Rachel Kraus

Carol Kurian

Kristina Kuzmick

Christopher & Ruth Lawler

Michelle Lehmenkuler

Ellen Levine

Bob Lindley

Sally Lonegren

Karen Lundquist

Pamala Lupo

Kathryn Lyons

Denise Marino

Theodore Markgren

Karin Martz

Megan Matijevich

Richard Matte

Brad Mattear

Julie McMahon

Joe McTernan

Jim McWilliams

Mark Mehaffey

Constance Miller

Kathy Miller

William Miller

Tina Moran

Daniel Morgan

Sara Morrison

Dominique Mungo

Nicole Naggy

Edward Nathan

Patricia Newcomb

Marita Nicoulin

Molly Null

Jean O’Neill

Kelly Ann O’Neill

Keith Organ

Our World Neighborhood Charter School

Amy Paulios

John Pesce

Mark Peters

Anthony Pisciotta

Dennis Popp

Michaela Rawsthorn

Mark Reed

Tammi Richards

Catherine Robbins

Brett Robenhorst

Mark Rodriguez

Brad Ruhl

Ann Russell

Michael Russell

Susan Schwarz

Robin Seabrook

Matthew & Lisa Sheldon

Joanne Skop

Amie Smith

Michelle Smith

Peter Sokaris

Fred Spears

James Stanley

Tammy Stewart

Heather Swiggum

Brian Szymanski

Louise Tatangelo

Jerry Tefteller

Eric Travis

Barbara Utesch

Dave Vaughan

Lauren Vergara

Susan Vogel

Robert & Amy Voso

Bill Wages

John Wall

Anthony Ward

Rob Wehr

Ashlie White

Bert Willemse

Louis Wolf

Larry Word

Rebecca Wydra

James Wynne

Amy Yates

Amputee-Coalition.org 888.267.5669

If you are a camper or the family of a camper, search Facebook for our Amputee Coalition Paddy Rossbach Youth Camp and request to join. We would love to stay in touch!

This project is supported, in part, by grant numbers 90LL0002-02-00 and 90LL0002-02-01, from the Administration for Community Living, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official Administration for Community Living policy.

©2017 by the Amputee Coalition; all rights reserved. This publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission of the Amputee Coalition.

paddy rossbach youth camp · 2017 amputee coalition paddy rossbach youth camp | 2 camp. for many of...

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