Provide a camp experience for teens living with spina bifida.Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of Northern Alberta

Project Summary:
Camp Freedom is a four-day overnight camp for teens aged 12-17 years living with spina bifida. The first goal of Camp Freedom is to promote independence in a safe accessible environment. The second goal is to provide opportunities for socialization and friendships. The camp is affordable and includes various adapted recreational opportunities. These goals add to increased self-esteem and an improved quality of life for the campers. Camp Freedom is entirely run by volunteers who either work or study in the medical field or have experience working with individuals with disabilities.

Deliverables:

• Full camp with 30 campers registered
• Qualified volunteer staff
• Host camp at a fully wheelchair accessible facility
• Increased independence for campers
• Friendships that last beyond camp
• Provide an affordable camp and offer subsidies as needed

Camp Freedom encourages independence and socialization which increases self-esteem and promotes a better quality of life. Surveys and personal stories have shown that many participants of Camp Freedom go on to live independently, attend post secondary education and are gainfully employed. Individuals with these qualities and skills are productive members of society. Camp Freedom is the only camp that is exclusively run for teens with spina bifida in Canada. Registration cost for camp is kept at a very low fee to make it affordable for families. We also offer a subsidy for individuals unable to pay the fee. Teens come from various locations in western Canada including: Alberta, BC and Saskatchewan and North West Territories.