Stroke Camp

Stroke camp is a three-day camp for stroke survivors and their caregivers. They participate in arts and crafts, camp songs, good food and company, bonfires, games, fishing, boating and hiking.

In the United States, there are more than 7 million stroke survivors. Stroke camp is a place for stroke survivors to go to feel normal again - to feel that they can do the things they once did before they suffered from a stroke.

The Lincoln area camp takes place in the summer at the Carol Joy Holling Conference and Retreat Center in Ashland, Nebraska. It is sponsored by The Lincoln Stroke Partnership -- a collaboration among St. Elizabeth, Bryan Health and Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital.

The Retreat and Refresh Stroke Camp was founded by John and Marylee Nunley. After John suffered from a stroke in September 2001, Marylee decided to start a camp that would help stroke survivors, caregiver, and family members enjoy two stress-free days of fun-filled activities. The first camp was held in September 2004 in Peoria, Illinois, and has now grown to 20 camps throughout the United States.

In 2013, Retreat and Refresh Stroke Camp received the Outstanding Group Raising Awareness in Stroke Excellence (RAISE) Award from the National Stroke Association. The annual award recognizes those who are committed to raising stroke awareness on a local and national level.