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Camp STAR is a five-day getaway that provides campers, age 8 through 18, with an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of YMCA Camp Kon-O-Kwee/Spencer Campground (near Zelienople, Pennsylvania).
Camp STAR began in 1976. The goal of Camp STAR is to support and empower youth with limb difference or loss to be healthy, confident and active; all while creating positive social interaction and developing peer support.
Campers (age 8 through 18) are encouraged to make new friends and share their experiences. Camp provides them with an opportunity to participate in sports and other camp activities to the best of their abilities without fear of being judged by others.
Campers also have our Counselors and Counselors-In-Training* (CIT) as positive role models, many of whom have some type of limb loss and were campers themselves at one time. They can speak from their past experiences, hospitalizations, tests, surgeries and illnesses; and are proof that children with limb loss can be normally functioning adolescents and young adults.
Camp STAR Activities
Camp STAR offers standard summer camp activities, including: . Arts and crafts . Basketball . Campfires . Canoeing . Climbing/rappelling wall . Fishing . Hayrides . High & low ropes . Lazy river float Nature Swimming . Team building Tennis Trail of Courage (obstacle course) . Volleyball Zip line
Educational Activities include:
Two activities that offer an educational element are Ask the Prosthetist/Physical Therapist and Ask the Counselor.
During Ask the Prosthetist/Physical Therapist, campers are encouraged to ask questions regarding their prosthetics and about different ways to navigate through the everyday activities of life. During this time, the prosthetist will also give updates on the newest prosthetic information in the market today. The Ask the Counselor session is held with the entire group. During this session, the counselors share their story about their amputations, what kind of procedures they have had, how they have learned to cope in various situations, and what they do outside of Camp STAR. Campers are encouraged to ask the counselors questions regarding: How they deal with daily life activities How they have adjusted to being an amputee What to tell people about their amputations How to deal with physical limitations
Information and Cost
Thanks to the generosity of many donors, a $50 non-refundable registration fee is the only cost requested of each camper. No camper is ever turned away for financial reasons. Please request a fee waiver, if needed.
For registration forms and questions regarding Camp STAR 2010, please contact Cindy McCue, Camp Co-Director, at 412-370-5481 or via e-mail at cindymcq1@gmail.com.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: May 31, 2011
If you have any questions, please contact at 412-370-5481.
