Florida-based non-profit, Wheelchairs 4 Kids, took 30 wheelchair-bound children and their families to Camp Twin Lakes in Rutledge, Georgia. The camp is 100 percent wheelchair accessible — even their zip-line, climbing wall, and high ropes course.
Wheelchairs 4 Kids’ Wheely Fun Day inclusion program provides physically disabled children with exclusive, confidence- and community-building events at no cost to their families. This Wheely Fun Day event brought together 34 physically disabled “Wheel Kids” for a jam-packed weekend of accessible fun. The entire weekend was free for the families.
The trip was made possible thanks to a large donation from Atlanta based Resurgens Orthopedics who has been a longtime supporter of Wheelchairs 4 Kids.
“Resurgens sponsored the first child we ever helped back in 2011,” stated Wheelchairs 4 Kids Executive Director Madeline Robinson. “They have believed and supported our mission to improve the lives of children with physical disabilities from day one. We could not be more thankful for their unwavering support.”
The US JCI Senate also helped with a financial donation and by providing volunteers for the weekend.
The Wheely Fun Weekend included a S’mores party, a screening of The Greatest Showman, zip-lining, a rock wall, and even a high rope course, all accessible for kids in wheelchairs. The kids also enjoyed fishing, paddle boats, horseback riding and archery. Highlights were the epic pool party and carnival with lots of prizes.
One parent said it was the first time their family felt “normal.”
“The best part of camp for me was watching our children conquer their fears and insecurities to do activities that they never thought they could do. One girl in particular said she could never ride a horse because of her lack of body stability. She was brave enough to get on the horse and put her trust in us. She enjoyed herself so much that she didn’t want to get off after that,” stated Team Leader Erin Wilson.
“We’ve been doing events for our Florida kids for years and are thrilled to have expanded this program into Georgia to serve our kids from the Southeastern states. We have kids at camp from Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee and Florida.
“It was amazing to see the kids and families come together for a weekend filled with adventures they never dreamed possible for themselves. Seeing the kids come out of their shells, make new friends and just have fun is so rewarding. The parents also had a chance to talk to each other about their challenges and share resources. Socialization and inclusion are so important for our kids who are often left on the sidelines. This program gets them in the game,” stated Robinson.
To learn more about Wheelchairs 4 Kids, visit Wheelchairs4kids.org or call 727-946-0963.
Credit: Morgan County Citizen
Credit: Morgan County Citizen
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Today’s story comes from our partner the Morgan County Citizen. The Morgan County Citizen is an award-winning weekly newspaper of Madison, GA. Visit them online at morgancountycitizen.com.
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