2017 PADDY ROSSBACH YOUTH CAMP
Memory Book
July 7-12, 2017
2017 Amputee Coalition Paddy Rossbach Youth Camp | 1
Our Camp MissionTo make a difference in the lives of children with limb loss and limb difference by increasing their self-confidence and self-esteem through a traditional and supportive summer camp experience.
TABLE OF CONTENTSOUR CAMP MISSION 1
CAMP 2
HOME AWAY FROM HOME 3
OUR CAMPERS HAD GREAT THINGS TO SAY ABOUT THEIR EXPERIENCE 4
PERPETUAL MOTION 5
WHAT ACTIVITY WAS YOUR FAVORITE? 6
WHERE ARE WE FROM? 7
ALL THE FEELS 9
FUN WITH A PURPOSE IS STILL FUN 11
CAMP FROM THE PARENT’S PERSPECTIVE 13
COUNSELORS, CAMPERS AND CONNECTIONS 15
THANK YOU 18
THANK YOU TO OUR CAMP DONORS 19
NOTES 21
2017 Amputee Coalition Paddy Rossbach Youth Camp | 2
Camp.For many of us, it means hot summer nights, time on the lake, meeting new friends, and
testing our limits.
For the 131 kids who came to our Paddy Rossbach Youth Camp this summer, camp means
even more than that. It is often the moment, more than any other time, when they feel like
they are around other kids who really understand what their lives are like. Ella, one of our
campers, said it best: “It just feels like home.”
As the chairman of the board for the Amputee Coalition, it is a program that I believe makes
a powerful difference in our camper’s lives. As they arrive in Ohio from their homes across the
country they shed inhibitions, lower their guard, and learn more about themselves and what
they are truly capable of doing.
With campers from ages 10 to 19, most leave already planning to return the following year. As
they grow older, many plan on becoming counselors in order to give back to their peers and
their community.
And perhaps most importantly, our campers give back to us at the Coalition too. They
challenge us to keep working hard, to recognize that we don’t just serve today’s community,
but that what we accomplish today sets the tone for what our kids will experience tomorrow.
Seeing our campers laugh and play and swim and climb makes all of our other programs all
the more meaningful. As board chair, I can assure you that the Amputee Coalition is doing
everything it can to ensure that people living with limb difference and limb loss have the
resources they need to live well. See you at camp next year.
Dan Berschinski
Chairman of the Board
Amputee Coalition
P.S. I can’t wait for our 10th year at Camp Joy (and 18th Camp)! Mark your calendars for
June 11-16, 2018.
2017 Amputee Coalition Paddy Rossbach Youth Camp | 3
“The thought of seeing my old friends again, meeting new ones, and participating in activities made me jump with excitement. Camp crept up on me and once the day came, I was so excited to get on the plane, fly to Ohio, and return to camp.”~2017 Camper
HOME AWAY FROM HOME
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Our survey said:• 100% felt that camp was a fun week.
• 100% had a counselor of camp staff role model.
• 99.2% felt good about themselves at camp.
• 98.4% worked as a team member.
• 89.8% learned a new skill at camp.
OUR CAMPERS HAD GREAT THINGS TO SAY ABOUT THEIR EXPERIENCE
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“Over the course of the camp, I had so much fun participating in archery, arts and crafts, candle making , rock climbing, ukulele lessons, campfires, cabin time, pool time, and so much more.”~2017 Camper
PERPETUAL MOTION
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WHAT ACTIVITY WAS YOUR FAVORITE?
“Pioneer life – we got to make candles and play a board game about the Oregon Trail.”
“The amazing camp race because it helped everyone work together.”
“I liked archery and the dance because they were most enjoyable.”
“Rock climbing because I could figure out how much strength I have.”
“Mountain biking because it was fast-paced.”
“Culinary arts. I love cooking.”
“I liked arts and crafts because I like art.” “Swimming. I love being in the water.”
“The dance because it was fun and it had girls.”
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WHERE ARE WE FROM?
1(D.C.)
24
2
317
23
5
4
45
3
2
2
4
51
41
7
8
2 1
61
1
5
1
3
26
2
1RI
3
1
6
2
3
1
31
2
LONDON, ENGLAND -1
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“When I first set foot off the plane and saw some familiar faces, memories from past years flooded me with excitement and joy.”~2017 Camper
TOTAL CAMP FLIGHT MILES:273,006!
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ALL THE FEELS
“Some campers, like me, come in shy, afraid, or nervous but, as soon as camp ends, they are a more confident and outgoing person.”~2017 Camper
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“As a mother who worries about Dominic’s acceptance from kids at school or his daily struggles just participating in gym class, I cannot begin to express to you how incredibly grateful I am for the Coalition and the wonderful work that you are all doing to help our children feel confident and not alone in this world.”~Gayle, Camper’s Mother
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FUN WITH A PURPOSE IS STILL FUN
Zip Zap ZoomThis game is one our counselors use to help everyone get to know each other.
Get into the infamous circle with one person in the middle. Look at the person
on your left (Zip) and then the person on your right (Zap). The person in the
center goes up to someone in the circle and says either Zip, Zap, or Zoom. If he/
she says Zip, the person they are facing must name the person on his/her left. If
Zap, they name the person on their right. If the person sitting down takes too
long to answer or messes up, he/she replaces the person in the middle, who then
takes their chair. If the person says Zoom, everybody must change chairs.
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“I know that meeting other amputees and getting involved in outdoor activities did a great deal for me physically and physiologically. It’s so important that kids have access to a community of their peers.”~Daniel, Camp Counselor
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CAMP FROM THE PARENT’S PERSPECTIVE
“My child learned that she is capable of anything. She made lifelong friends and gained a new confidence in herself. She also learned empathy and compassion when learning some campers are not as confident about their limb difference as she is.”
2017 Amputee Coalition Paddy Rossbach Youth Camp | 14
“My child loved the camp. It was the first year attending and will come back year after year, she said. Being around other children with limb differences enables my child to let her guard down and see other others adapt.”
“These are the best five days of his year. They keep him sane the other 360 days. He was a 6th-year camper this time around and we have made the family decision that him attending this camp will be our number 1 priority for each summer that he is allowed to attend. He has a wide variety of other interests and opportunities, but this camp time is far superior to anything else. We cannot express enough just how much our son benefits from feeling “normal” at some point of his year and this is the only place where he has found that unconditional acceptance.”
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Starting with our very first campers in 2000,
personal growth has come from the power of
example. Paddy Rossbach, who is an amputee and
former Amputee Coalition president, spent time
eye-level with the littlest campers, encouraging
them to experiment and explore.
We have continued to follow her example, with
counselors who share their experience of growing
up with limb difference and limb loss. As role
models, they bring the power of passion and
positivity to the challenges of transitioning from
youth to adult.
They give of their time and their hearts, many
inspired by their experience as campers. Their
actions speak loudly, helping campers learn about
leadership, about being comfortable in their own
skin, and helping others gain that confidence too.
With the help of our amazing volunteers, the
Paddy Rossbach Youth Camp helps inspire and
change lives far past the time spent together in
the wilderness.
COUNSELORS, CAMPERS AND CONNECTIONS
“The world is changed by your example, not by your opinion.”~Paulo Coelho
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“The boys in my cabin were all amazing. I have no doubt each and every one of them will grow up to be empowered and confident young men.
Not only were all the counselors supportive and enthusiastic about camp, so were the staff! They were all very approachable and passionate about what they do, which made the camp extra special.”
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“I love how in the first few days, hours, or even moments of when camp starts, you get to see the changes in your cabin-mates from how they would usually be back home, to the real person inside of them.”~2017 Camper
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The Amputee Coalition, all the campers, their families and counselors would like to give a heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated to camp. Without their selfless financial gifts, this week of memories would not be possible.
Even as we enjoy the memories of 2017, the Amputee Coalition staff is already busy working on 2018. From planning programs to reviewing applications to starting fundraising, we are excited to be celebrating our 10th year at Camp Joy from June 11-16, 2018!
In 2017, for the first time, we were unable to send every youth who applied to camp, due to a funding shortage. Please help the Coalition ensure that everyone who wants to attend camp has that opportunity. Donate to Camp 2018.
For more information on how to make a camper’s dream come true, call 703/330-1699, ext. 7105 or contact [email protected].
2017 Amputee Coalition Paddy Rossbach Youth Camp | 19
Thank you to the HEROES of AMP CAMP!
Sleepaway camp is a memorable part of childhood. As adults, we still carry the positive glow of those memories and reflect on
them often. Eighteen years ago, the Amputee Coalition saw a need to provide that same experience to youths with limb loss or
limb difference.
Over the years, thanks to the generosity of our national sponsors and donors, the Coalition has been able to grant the week
of a lifetime to most of the campers who applied. However, in 2017, for the first time, the Coalition had to deny campers that
experience, due to a funding shortage. We are working hard to expand our options. If you’d like to help, please contact our
Development Department at [email protected].
Without the generosity of organizations and people like you, the Amputee Coalition couldn’t provide a week of feeling
“normal” for youths with limb loss or limb difference. For that, we are truly grateful.
2017 Amputee Coalition National Sponsors
Platinum Gold
BronzeAmerican Boardfor Certification inOrthotics, Prostheticsand Pedorthics, Inc. (ABC) Scheck & Siress
Ability DynamicsKenney Orthopedics
Silver
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Camp Donors$1,000 and aboveAmerican Board for Certification in
Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics, Inc.
Robert Arbogast
Arlene Carpenter
Cincinnati Dreams Come True (Sponsoring kids from Ohio)
Stephen Cobb
Michael Elkins
The Given Limb Foundation
Karen Hasty
Jason Kahle, CPO, FAAOP
Karen Lewis
Alisa Marcal
Kathy Miller
Optimus Prosthetics
OttoBock Healthcare, Inc.
Dustin Richard
Jack Richmond
Anita Veldman
Thomas Veldman
Christine Weston
$500 - $999Joseph Armstrong
Carole Folta
Get Your Limb On Support Group – Seguin
George Gondo
Denise Hoffmann
Ted Homan
Dan Ignaszewski
Sunghan Jin
Donna Knudtson
Donald MacInnes
John Matsuura
Cheryl McElroy
Paddy Rossbach
Shamona Creek Elementary School
$100 - $499William Beiswenger
Dianne Bengel
Roxanne Bobb-Semple
Terry Brady
Deborah Brandt
Robert Brown
Ann Caires
Marita Carozza
Arlene Carpenter
Robert Carr
Richard Castro
Diane Cimino
Linda Coleman
Bobby Coles
Brian & Sandra D’Amico
Charles Dankmeyer
Tom Deupree
Thomas DiBello
Joe Direnza
Richard Doerr
Kim Doolan
Mark Driscoll
Bill Dupes
Christopher Fairman
John Farley
Giuliana Farris
Ed Finnegan
Karen Fitzpatrick
Danielle Fuller
Lindsay Garrity
Ryan Gleeson
Judy Goude
John Haas
Don Hardin
Heather Harris
April Hessler
Amy Hopkins
Kenneth Jobe
Benjamin Jones
Daniel Jones
Burton Judson
John M. Kenney
Eva Klein
Roger & Sandy Kling
Abby Langdon
William Lester
Karen Lewis
Justin Liang
Edna Lilienthal
Libby Louwagie
Hans Lux
Kevin Manuel
Catherine Marinoff
Marci Mayo
Michael Menz
Dale Miller
Troy Miranda
Laura Mitchell
John Naft
Peggy Nance
Joanne Neff
Argal Oberquell
Dorothy Oritz
Tim Ozmun
Terri Patterson
Thank you to the HEROES of AMP CAMP!
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Elisa Peacock
Anne Pelosof
John Peters
Butch Plotner
Anthony Potter
Kevin Ramos
Mark Reed
Teresa Regard
John Reynolds
Sally Ritchey
Roselyn Robbins
Charlie Rose
Reena Rughani
Don Rypma
Ron Sanders
Brett Saunders
Erica Shannon
Paul Simone
Maureen Smart
Timothy Spencer
James Stanley
Cosimo Storniolo
Kathy Sundmark
L.A. Thomas
George Vollmuth
Richard Welch
Kandice Wilcox
Sandi Wilson
Joan Zinter
Up to $99Kristi Akers
Linda Alden
Stanley Androlowicz
Paolo Astorga
Debbie Ayres
Ryan Bahr
Angie Barker
Patricia Barry
Devon Bernard
Pamela Bevelhymer
Theresa Bielecki
Michael Bilinski
Georgia Black
Katy Bonnin
John Bowker
Kathleen Boyd
Judith Braun
Walter Braxton
Rita Breier
Mike Brughelli
Katherine Burtin
Michael Burton
Estelio Cabarcas
Chris Carera
Catherine Carter
Anna Cassar
Rosemarie Chester
Mary Jo Cole
Deborah Conley
Kathy Corbett
Antoinette Cornell
Dennis Cotter
Katherine Cunningham
Joan & Dave Dallas
Willard Davis
Gerardo De Alba
Don DeBolt
Marshall Deitch
Holly Devenney
Michael Doerflein
Carl Dupoldt
Joan Edelstein
Akalvizhy Elanko
Jose Falagan
Kevin Falk
David R. Felts
Robert Fink
Margaret Finnigan
Rebecca Fisher
Stephen Fletcher
Mary Frazer
Joseph Furnival
Linda Gilchrist
Colin Gittens
Kellie Gleeson
Pam Gleeson
Ryan Gleeson
Joe Gormley
Paul Gosiewski
Ed Grebenstein
Rachel Grosserode
Beverly Hancock
Cassandra Harris
Everett Heath
Cheryl Heim
Gary Heim
Mathew & Tracy Hein
Ava Herbrick
Michael Hilton
Maureen Howard
Fred Ingersoll
Susanne Jensen
Kristin Kahl
Leo M. Kahl, Sr.
George Kaplan
Thank you to the HEROES of AMP CAMP!
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Thank you to Jonathan Cowley and Corniche Travel, who helped make sure our campers arrived in Ohio safely.
Finally, we are especially grateful to Camp Joy for hosting us. We are looking forward to celebrating our 10th year at Camp Joy, June 11-16, 2018.
Thank you to the HEROES of AMP CAMP!
Warren Kaplan
Brenda Kelly
Joel Kempfer
Brittany Kephart
Samlane Ketevong
Bonnie Kostka
Rachel Kraus
Carol Kurian
Kristina Kuzmick
Christopher & Ruth Lawler
Michelle Lehmenkuler
Ellen Levine
Bob Lindley
Sally Lonegren
Karen Lundquist
Pamala Lupo
Kathryn Lyons
Denise Marino
Theodore Markgren
Karin Martz
Megan Matijevich
Richard Matte
Brad Mattear
Julie McMahon
Joe McTernan
Jim McWilliams
Mark Mehaffey
Constance Miller
Kathy Miller
William Miller
Tina Moran
Daniel Morgan
Sara Morrison
Dominique Mungo
Nicole Naggy
Edward Nathan
Patricia Newcomb
Marita Nicoulin
Molly Null
Jean O’Neill
Kelly Ann O’Neill
Keith Organ
Our World Neighborhood Charter School
Amy Paulios
John Pesce
Mark Peters
Anthony Pisciotta
Dennis Popp
Michaela Rawsthorn
Mark Reed
Tammi Richards
Catherine Robbins
Brett Robenhorst
Mark Rodriguez
Brad Ruhl
Ann Russell
Michael Russell
Susan Schwarz
Robin Seabrook
Matthew & Lisa Sheldon
Joanne Skop
Amie Smith
Michelle Smith
Peter Sokaris
Fred Spears
James Stanley
Tammy Stewart
Heather Swiggum
Brian Szymanski
Louise Tatangelo
Jerry Tefteller
Eric Travis
Barbara Utesch
Dave Vaughan
Lauren Vergara
Susan Vogel
Robert & Amy Voso
Bill Wages
John Wall
Anthony Ward
Rob Wehr
Ashlie White
Bert Willemse
Louis Wolf
Larry Word
Rebecca Wydra
James Wynne
Amy Yates
Amputee-Coalition.org 888.267.5669
If you are a camper or the family of a camper, search Facebook for our Amputee Coalition Paddy Rossbach Youth Camp and request to join. We would love to stay in touch!
This project is supported, in part, by grant numbers 90LL0002-02-00 and 90LL0002-02-01, from the Administration for Community Living, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official Administration for Community Living policy.
©2017 by the Amputee Coalition; all rights reserved. This publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission of the Amputee Coalition.