Seven Children Celebrate Life at Camp No Limits

For the third year, The Amputee Connections of Redlands and the Limb Connections sent kids to camp. Seven children and four of their parents traveled to Big Bear to participate in four days of activities and fellowship at Camp No Limits, a weekend camp designed for children of all ages living with amputations or limb deficiencies. The group was sponsored by the Amputee Connections of Redlands and the Limb Connections out of fundraising efforts that begin in February, during the Tour de Palm Springs, shared Amputee Connections spokesman Bill Nessel. “This year we raised $7,500 and we had some money left over from last year in the camp fund. With that we were able to send seven children and four parents to Camp No Limits,” he said. Beginning with its initial camp in August of 2004 in Rome, Maine with just four families, Camp No Limits has spread nationwide to include events in six states including Maine, Missouri, Maryland, Florida, Idaho and California, with seven camps put on across the country each year. The weekend incorporated educational and informational opportunities with peer support and therapy programs to fulfill the camp’s mission: to address the needs of children with limb loss and their families. Participants engaged in exercise through activities like hiking, zip-lines, archery and swimming; received support in a confidential environment overseen by certified therapists and peer supporters where kids and teens were encouraged to talk about their feelings and experiences with limb loss and deficiencies; and occupational and physical therapy opportunities with therapists specializing in amputee rehabilitation. Other activities included a talent show, a petting zoo, vendor displays with information on state-of-the-art prosthetic technology, and arts and crafts. On Saturday, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department’s Big Bear Posse, West Valley Posse, SAR Council and several Search and Rescue teams shared with campers their horses, ATVs and search and rescue gear with the approximately 40 campers for the third year in a row. “As a retired West Valley Posse member, it makes me very proud to have been a part of the department and I thank the sheriff and all my old and new friends for doing this every year for the kids,” said Nessel, who spent 23 years in search and rescue. Nessel felt that the camp gave something to the visitors that provided a sense of solidarity: each other. “They’re among their own. It’s a big peer thing. They can look around and see other kids without arms and without legs. It’s a totally enlightening thing, and they get to do all these [activities],” he said, highlighting the emotional aspect of the camp. “It’s a total, eye-opening experience, and quite emotional for anyone who goes up and sees this for the first time.” First-time camp participant Jasmine Diaz’s exposure to other amputees and limb deficiencies helped open her up, according to her mother, Sabiola Ramos. She is eight years old and had both of her feet amputated at age two. “Camp No Limits was an emotional and inspiring experience for both of us,” said Ramos. “Jasmine came home talking to her older sisters about what it felt like to be around other amputees. It really helped with her self-esteem.” Jasmine, who entered the camp on Friday shy and timid, blossomed by the end of the weekend. “By Sunday she was interacting with everyone and talking to a lot of kids,” said Ramos. “It really helped her in a positive way.” The Limb Connections Treasurer Veronica Diaz agreed that the sense of community in the camp was beneficial for participants. “I can see my son’s self-esteem getting better,” Diaz said. Her son, Jason, 16, is a left-leg amputee who has been participating in camp activities since Amputee Connection and The Limb Connections began sponsoring members to participate three years ago. “As a parent, it’s comforting to know that your kids know they are not the only one” living with a limb loss or limb deficiency, she said. “That’s why it’s so important for little ones to go, because it’s a life-changing experience.” Diaz ended with a thank you to the Amputee Connection of Redlands and The Limb Connection for their work in fundraising to send the children to Camp No Limits.