The first Junior Wheelchair Sports Camp was held in 1990 offering children with physical disabilities the opportunity to participate in group sports and recreation activities. This camp was the first of its type in the area and continues to attract participants from across Nebraska, Iowa and from neighboring states.
The camp introduces young people to a wide variety of sports and recreation activities while helping improve strength and endurance. All activities are geared toward improving self-esteem and confidence in the campers. An added benefit of the camp is that it allows young people to meet others with similar disabilities, experience independence, teamwork and fun!
Campers will enhance their coordination skills and wheelchair maneuvers, become acquainted with sports equipment and improve athletic ability. There is a competitive group for veteran campers and those who participate in sports activities throughout the year and there are introductory and basic skills groups for those who are not as experienced. The overall goal is for campers to have a great time, make new friends, and improve their athletic skills.
Campers will participate in a wide variety of activities each day. They may also participate in field trips, martial arts and many other recreation activities.
This day camp is designed for youth with physical disabilities, ages 5 through high school. Youth with cerebral palsy, polio, spinal cord injury, spina bifida, and lower leg amputation qualify. Participants need not be active wheelchair users, but sports will be played in a manual wheelchair and each camper must have sufficient range of motion, strength and endurance to participate. Some activities may be strenuous for the camper.
Today wheelchair athletes are acclaimed and respected as world-class athletes. Physically challenged youngsters share the same desire and capability for attaining athletic excellence and physical fitness as their able-bodied peers and this camp gives them the opportunity to do just that. The Junior Wheelchair Sports and Recreation Camp can spark the enthusiasm for sports and recreation activities that can last a lifetime.
Due to the support of generous sponsors, contributors and many donations, we are able to offer the camp at no cost to participants. The number of campers is limited so register early to guarantee your spot.
Volunteers are available to assist campers with personal help skills, lunches, day-to-day operation and all activities. Our instructors have achieved national or international recognition in wheelchair sports competition.
We thank The Reeve Foundation for their generous contributions for the operation of this camp.
