We have heard the concerns of our community and have been working nearly around the clock over the past several weeks and months to make possible our July in-person camp at the 4-H camp in Tennessee; sadly, the safety and risk challenges are insurmountable.
Staff and select consultants have analyzed current external and internal factors, and, after much deliberation, we have concluded that the Youth Camp can be safely held as Camp at our upcoming 2022 National Conference in Palm Desert, California, August 10-13.
Rescheduling camp to occur in youth-designated, climate-controlled spaces at National Conference will help bring campers and counselors together, ensure the safety of campers, and best serve our youth and their families. With parents/caregivers travelling and sharing hotel accommodations with their children, we will provide dedicated support and caregiver focused conference programming while also providing camper- and counselor-focused spaces and activities. The Amputee Coalition will cover travel, hotel, and registration costs for youth campers and their parents/caregivers as well as counselors to participate in “Camp at Conference” at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa.
We have planned four full days of youth programming for youth campers to connect with peers, explore new experiences, and grow in their confidence and awareness. Very specifically, we have ensured that the resort has spaces for campers and counselors to engage in fun and interactive activities; connect with old and new friends; and engage in enriching programming and peer support. We are also creating new opportunities to involve parents/caregivers in their own support sessions at “Camp at Conference” and allow them to join dedicated National Conference sessions and the expo hall. We realize this new FREE opportunity will provide a different experience than an outdoor summer camp; yet we are excited to allow parents/caregivers to travel with their children.
We need to hear from you if you would like to participate in this new Camp opportunity. Please contact us at camp@amputee-coalition.org to express your interest and provide feedback. We will also convene a virtual interactive session next week for counselors, Campers and their parents/caregivers so we can address their questions and discuss what to expect at the 2022 National Conference Youth Camp. More details about the virtual session will be available soon.
Please join us in Palm Desert to take advantage of this new opportunity as we strive to create innovative ways to support, educate and elevate youth living with limb loss and/or limb difference and their families.