Camp lasso coach Rich Boyd, foundation board chair, shows first-time camper Milo Lambert, 6, the ropes about using a lasso. Both are sitting in wheelchairs and wearing cowboy-style hats. (Courtesy photo)
Camp lasso coach Rich Boyd, foundation board chair, shows first-time camper Milo Lambert, 6, the ropes about using a lasso. (Courtesy photo)

Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital recently concluded another successful Junior Wheelchair Sports Camp, bringing together youth with physical disabilities for a week of adapted sports and recreation at UCSB Recreation Center.

The camp welcomed about 35 campers and 75 volunteers. Guided by trained coaches and volunteers, many of whom use wheelchairs themselves, campers built confidence, developed new skills and formed meaningful connections, organizers said.

First-time camper Frankie Lee, 7, enjoys the pool with Savannah Yablonski, a volunteer and physical therapist. (Courtesy photo)
First-time camper Frankie Lee, 7, enjoys the pool with Savannah Yablonski, a volunteer and physical therapist. (Courtesy photo)

Campers ages 6-21 participated in a range of activities, including wheelchair basketball, rugby, hand cycling, SCUBA diving, swimming, tennis, racquetball, boccia, pickleball, indoor rock climbing, an indoor ropes course, and sled hockey.

Since its founding in 1986, Junior Wheelchair Sports Camp has helped young people with physical disabilities discover their strengths, build independence and experience the benefits of teamwork and physical activity, organizers said.

Hosted by Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital, it remains the only program of its kind on the Central Coast and attracts participants from across California, organizers said.

The camp is offered free of charge thanks to support from the Foundation for Cottage Rehabilitation & Goleta Valley Cottage Hospitals (FCR&GVCH) and community donors.

New this year, Rich Boyd, FCR&GVCH chair, introduced campers to the art of lassoing, and older participants traveled to Ice in Paradise in Goleta to try sled hockey.

The week also featured a carnival-style festival, pop-up dance party, and Family & Friends Day talent show.

“For some campers, this is their first opportunity to try these sports in a supportive environment designed around their abilities,” said René Van Hoorn, manager of Community Programs at Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital and camp director.

“The confidence they build during the week often extends far beyond camp and into other areas of their lives,” Van Hoorn said.

Throughout the week, campers participated in activities designed to foster independence and social connection, organizers said.

“Many return year after year, developing friendships and skills that continue long after camp concludes. Some former campers have even returned as volunteers and mentors, helping inspire the next generation of participants,” they said.

Learn more about supporting Junior Wheelchair Sports Camp at cottagehealth.org/fcrgvch.