Champ Camp .:. Our Story

enjoying a horse ride Our Story

Welcome to CHAMP Camp . . . a place of discovery, growth, and independence . . . where no one sits on the sidelines and no one worries about being different.

We are a camp for children and adolescents, ages six and up, who have tracheostomies and those that require respiratory assistance, including the use of ventilators. Many of our campers also have unique physical challenges, including quadriplegia.

Our days are rich with adventure and experience. CHAMP Camp is held for a week, typically in mid-June. We are currently housed at Recreation Unlimited in Ashley, Ohio, just north of Columbus. Prior to the campers' arrival, counselors spend two days in orientation and team building. Traditional activities such as fishing, pontoon boating, canoeing, creative arts, swimming, horseback riding, nature and stream study are highlights of the week. The 50-foot alpine tower promises an exciting climb. Each camper sets his own goal and pace. Adolescents have some additional unique opportunities, including tent camping, photography, a luau, and staffing the daily camp newspaper.

happy camper Imagine the possibilities!
CHAMP Camp counselors are health care professionals who at camp are friends and mentors. They listen, play, laugh, and know how to create and recognize magic moments. They are talented in many ways beyond their clinical skills . . . they can compose songs, initiate a hike through the woods, recognize the hoot of an owl, cheerlead at new achievements, and bait a fishing line. They live in the cabins with the campers to monitor and provide medical interventions round the clock. We staff 2.5 counselors for every camper guaranteeing a good mix of caring and sharing. We make a considerable effort not to "smother" or "hover" over our enthusiastic participants, and within safe bounds, CHAMP Campers have the freedom to explore the many facets of the outdoor environment.

Ninety percent of our counselors are nurses, respiratory therapists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, child life specialists, teachers, recreation professionals, and physicians. Other devoted volunteers include university students majoring in a health care discipline, as well as rehabilitation specialists who assist with equipment and technical, logistical support.

CHAMP Camp is a community where victories, big and small, are celebrated. Campers build faith in themselves and trust in others . . . and it's here where grand accomplishments happen because of imagination and motivation.

Each family is asked to contribute to the cost of camp, but no one is turned away for inability to pay.

Founded in 1991, CHAMP Camp is a private, non-profit organization. Contributions are tax deductible. We are accredited by the American Camping Association.

Champ Camp 2006