Camp History
CHAMP Camp, Inc. had its beginnings in early 1991 when David Carter, a hospital administrator with a respiratory therapy background; and Nancy McCurdy, a child life specialist, had a vision of providing a summer overnight camping experience for children with tracheosotmies and those requiring technological and ventilator assistance.
Working in the hospital setting, they were involved with children on a daily basis whose lives were being saved by the advances in medical science -- many of whom had a diagnosis of quadriplegia -- and now felt an ethical responsibility to make sure these young lives had opportunities to experience and enjoy life. Because of the medical fragility and vulnerability associated with "living" on a ventilator and the necessity for round-the-clock supervision and care, these children were not able to participate in other camping programs. Nevertheless, David and Nancy were determined to make the outdoors accessible to these potential campers. Research showed that there were only a handful of other camps in the country serving this target population. A Steering Committee began meeting in May 1991 to accomplish this mission.
With the strong logistical support of Lifelines Children's Rehabilitation Hospital (now St. Vincent Children's Specialty Hospital), and financial gifts from individuals and several businesses in the community, a weekend pilot program was launched at Camp Isanogel in Muncie, Indiana in August 1991. It was a memorable time full of new, first-time experiences! Our second year of camp was held at Bradford Woods, near Martinsville, Indiana. Since summer 1993, CHAMP Camp has found a home at Recreation Unlimited in Ashley, Ohio, just north of Columbus. The number of campers participating has grown each year, with campers traveling from eleven states to participate. In the summer of 1998, additional enrichment experiences were introduced for adolescents and their changing needs and interests.
Program development has been extraordinary. Camp activities include canoeing, horseback riding, climbing (50-foot alpine tower), fishing, swimming, recreational games, creative arts, outdoor living skills, pontoon boating, and nature and stream study. Our exceptional volunteer staff, comprised primarily of health care professionals, has adapted activities and equipment so that campers may be fully involved. We are most certainly a "can-do" camp!
CHAMP Camp received its incorporated status from the State of Indiana on August 23, 1991. We've established a nonprofit, 501c3 status with the Internal Revenue Service, and contributors may make tax-deductible donations. We are funded by the generosity of individuals and corporations; grants from foundations; and through special events, including our annual Silver Sneakers Benefit Ball.
