See what counselors and campers are saying about CHAMP Camp and what they enjoy.
CAMPER FAMILY TESTIMONIES
“Thank you for continuing this! This is Reid’s favorite week of the year. He calls it “vacation” and tells all of his teachers at school about it. The way he interacts and tells us everything he did afterwards warms our hearts and the connections he has made with volunteers mean the world to us.”
-Richard and Calli Mayotte, parents of Reid
“We’re so appreciative of everyone who volunteers their time making this an amazing experience for Porter! He is very excited to come back next year!!!!!!!”
-Megan Richardson, parent of Porter
“Thank you so much for providing this amazing opportunity for Katelyn and her peers. Katelyn had so much fun and loved her counselors and friends in her cabin. She was full of so many fun and funny stories when she got home. She made great connections. Thank you. This is a very special camp and we appreciate everyone giving of their time and talents to make the campers feel seen and loved.”
-Andy and Trisha Bowen, parents of Katelyn
“Champ Camp has had an incredible impact on our children, giving them so many cherished memories. The Camp Counselors work tirelessly, bringing unmatched enthusiasm and energy, making the camp an extraordinary experience for every camper. Our kids look forward to it every summer, and no matter what else is going on, they can’t stop smiling when it’s finally camp time. It’s truly worth the 3-4 days of exhaustion as they rest up afterward!
Every year, when asked about their favorite activity, 
Champ Camp always brings a sparkle to their eyes. From the unforgettable welcome at drop-off, where counselors chant their names (and make parents tear up!), to thrilling activities like zip-lining, hot air balloon rides, swimming, fishing, and boating, Champ Camp offers experiences we could never provide at home. It lets our kids step away from home and enjoy the full joy of “typical” teenage adventures.
Champ Camp is an extraordinary organization doing tremendous work. We feel incredibly lucky and grateful for all they do to create such a remarkable experience for our children.”
-Dustin and Grace Eads, parents of campers Paxton and Irene
COUNSELOR TESTIMONIES
“Being a Camp Counselor is supposed to be about fulfilling the campers dreams, surpassing their expectations and proving to them that they can do anything they put their mind to. On the contrary however, it is them who does all of that for us. They show us what strength, determination and compassion are all about, and they make ME want to be a better person. I can’t see a future without CHAMP Camp being a part of it. I’m all in!”
-Brian Christopher, Counselor, Donor, CEO of BC Ventures
“CHAMP camp completely changed my life in the best way possible. To be part of an experience you can’t put to words is nothing short of incredible. There is magic to be found when you embrace being unique. Where being different is the norm!”
-Sean Hines, Counselor, Special Ed Teacher
“For me, camp is a tangible experience of happiness, love, and the good in our world. A few years ago, a camper at the end of camp excitedly said to his mom “Mom, there were NO bullies at camp!” Those few words were so impactful on my life and often remind me of the love that everyone deserves. I think it’s easy to get weighed down by the stressors of everyday life and crises of the world but having the ability to interact with so many special and loving people (campers and counselors) for a week each year, is what reminds me to live for the joy and goodness in life.”
-Michaela O’Connor, Counselor, Nurse
“Each year, this camp is a lovely reset – and reminder- of how lucky we are to be able to create so much fun in such little time. There isn’t much better than a child’s joy (cliche, but true)… and we get to spend an entire week focused on doing just that for our campers: making joy. I spend fifty-one weeks a year trying to make myself happy – except for one week in June, where my only focus is making our campers happy. And every year, that one-week never fails to be my happiest of all.”
-Nick Cedillo, Counselor, Respiratory Therapist
My first year, I left camp with a whole new perspective on life. Camp provided me with a positive outlook that lasted much longer than the few days I got to spend there. I got to be part of something that truly made a difference in others lives. I felt so blessed and happy to have had the opportunity. I also made connections with campers and counselors and camp is the only opportunity that I get to see them.
-Rhianna Michaels, Counselor, Nurse
“From the speech therapy world there’s so much to learn at camp! I think it’s amazing seeing kids outside of the critical medical setting who have trachs, vents, communication devices, feeding tubes, etc. in a fun activity setting. You can also learn SO much. You learn about different airways, tube feeds, all the ways these kids communicate (sign, devices, gestures). It is a place to work with other medical professionals and have them teach you to participate in these kid’s care! It’s also just the best time of the year so you should come! ;)”
-Emily Reger, Counselor, Speech Language Pathologist
“I feel like summer camp is very important for this amazing population of kids because it truly helps them push beyond their preconceptions of their abilities. They are not only able to experience new activities in a setting typically unavailable to them due to safety or other limitations, but they are assisted as they push beyond things they previously felt were unobtainable. It would be very difficult and rare to find situations in their typical lives that encourage such experiences and behaviors.”
-Phil Flory, Counselor, Nurse Practitioner
“CHAMP Camp has taught me that it is so important just to be able to listen and talk to the kids that I work with and that they are no different than anybody else. I gained so many skills at CHAMP Camp as a respiratory therapist by learning about different equipment and techniques for doing things. During CHAMP Camp I also got to work with other healthcare professionals and was able to see other aspects of healthcare that I was less familiar with.
-Sam Climie, Counselor, Respiratory Therapist
“It’s a very humbling experience to have three healthy boys. I don’t take it for granted how easy it is to get through our daily routines, especially now that they are older and more independent. I try to never judge someone based on what they look like, or what their disability might be. These kids have shown me that if you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything!”
-Tracy Wheeler, Counselor, Physical Therapist
“I wish I could articulate in words what CHAMP camp means to me. Every year is amazing. Every year is inspiring. Every year, these kids arrive and accomplish things that they could never have imagined. The relationships that are formed …. The memories that are made… The laughs that are had at all hours of the day/night. Like nothing else in my life. I feel truly blessed to have found CHAMP camp. The campers and counselors are like family.”
-Shelly Hardwick, Counselor, Occupational Therapist