Camp No Limits 2019 hosted by Quinnipiac

Photo Courtesy: Quinnipiac University

Dylan Abad

Quinnipiac University’s occupational and physical therapy programs hosted Camp No Limits, a non-profit organization providing overnight camps for children and adolescents with limb loss and differences. The program ran from July 10 through July 14, and was aims to increase the functional independence of children with limb loss.

22 campers and their families joined a network of support through adaptive recreational activities and a variety of life skills programs this year.

Campers took part in activities including sled hockey, bike clinics and a “Color Wars” field day, which were led by physical and occupational therapists, Quinnipiac students and faculty, prosthetists and amputee mentors. Campers also participated in recreational programs designed to inform and address the latest technological advancements in prosthetics. For those interested, some programs included talks regarding scholastic sport rule modifications that pertain to playing sports with prosthetics.

“We got involved because we were trying to find a place where our children could be treated just like any other kid,” Guy Reid, a father of three children with limb loss, said. “And to also learn how to do simple things that you and I take for granted.”

Camp No Limits was founded in 2004 by Mary Leighton, an occupational therapist from Maine, and began with a total of four children. Today, the camp has expanded to nine locations nationwide, serving hundreds of children and their families in Arizona, Connecticut, California, Florida, Idaho, Maine, Maryland, Missouri and Texas.

In 2015, Quinnipiac became the first and only institution of higher education in the country to host Camp No Limits. According to the No Limits Foundation, camp participants developed self-confidence, achieved personal goals and formed new and enduring friendships.

Support for the No Limits Foundation has been growing every year, and families say their children look forward to every program.

“Our kids love coming to camp,” Linda Reid said. “It’s something they wait for all year” 

Students and families interested in learning more about Camp No limits can go to https://nolimitsfoundation.org/ or call (207) 569-6411 for more information.