Shriners Children’s Twin Cities Celebrates 20 Years of Winter Camp Achieve

Downhill skiing can be a difficult skill for kids – or adults – to try, but for children with limb differences, the recreational sport can be even more challenging. With that in mind, the team at Shriners Children’s Twin Cities offers a ski camp each February, Winter Camp Achieve, to give patients the unique opportunity to try the sport for the first time, or to practice their skills with others who have similar orthopedic challenges. Over the last 20 years, the camp has helped more than 500 children with limb differences hit the slopes, while building confidence and friendships.

Shriners Children’s Twin Cities patient Ramona, age 19, has been attending Camp Achieve events since she was a little girl. Over the years, she developed a close friendship with fellow patient and camp-goer Hollen. The pair bonded over their shared love of adventure and overcoming life’s challenges.

“It is one of the most absolutely amazing camps I’ve ever been a part of, and the friendships I’ve made here have been life-changing,” Ramona said. “Camp Achieve creates a really welcoming environment and it feels so nice to be around other kids with limb differences. In everyday life, people assume I can’t do things, or will come up to me and ask wacky questions about my arm. This camp is a really nice getaway from that because no one thinks about your differences at Camp Achieve. They help you figure out your own way of doing things and not be afraid to try something new.”

Britta Kleinwolterink, Shriners Children’s senior child life specialist and camp director, said the camp provides a unique opportunity for kids with limb differences to get outside of their comfort zone and try a new sport in a supportive and adaptive environment.

“It has been so heartwarming to hear the stories and memories that kids have made through our Winter Camp Achieve,” said Kleinwolterink. “And it’s incredible to see the lasting impact this camp has made on kids' lives and how the skills they learn here go beyond just skiing. The best part is seeing how they help and support each other. Kids come to this camp who have so many different types of physical differences and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to helping them learn a skill like skiing. But they figure it out, and many times, it’s with the help of not only the instructors, but their fellow peers.”

Grayson, one of this year's International Patient Ambassadors, was one of those peers at Camp Achieve. He came to Minnesota from Kentucky to volunteer as a helper at camp. Grayson is an above the knee amputee and uses a prosthesis to walk and run. He said it took him and his family years to figure out the appropriate ski setup, settling on removing his prosthesis, and using one ski and outrigger poles.

"Looking back on my day at ski camp, I can confidently say it was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had as an International Patient Ambassador for Shriners Children's," writes Grayson. "I was paired with a young boy named Vincent, and from the start, I knew we were going to get along. He is missing his left leg – but that hasn’t slowed him down one bit." Like Grayson, Vincent skis with one ski and outrigger poles.

"From the moment we hit the slopes, Vincent made it clear that I’d have my work cut out for me. I joked that I’d try to keep up with him, to which he shot back, 'Good luck.' And with that, he was gone. I trailed behind him on the first few runs, watching as he went down the mountain with confidence and skill," said Grayson. "This was the first time I had ever skied with someone younger than me who used outriggers, and I can’t quite explain the joy I felt watching him succeed run after run. He’s an impressive skier, but even more than that, he reminded me so much of myself – a live wire, determined to push boundaries and never let anything hold him back."

After lunch, Vincent and his dad had to leave, and Grayson was then paired with a young girl named Gracie. She had tried skiing with her prosthesis earlier in the day but struggled, leaving her feeling discouraged and hesitant to get back out on the slopes. Grayson said he was grateful that she decided to give it another shot, so that he could help.

"As we headed out with a small group, I could tell right away that skiing with her prosthesis wasn’t going to work for Gracie. I encouraged her to try without it, and though she fell a few times, she didn’t give up," Grayson shared. "She conquered the bunny hill. Watching her confidence return in real time was something I’ll never forget. In that moment, I realized I had played a small part in helping her rediscover confidence in herself, and that meant everything to me."

"Later, I talked with my mom and Britta about outriggers and how they had helped me when I first started skiing. My parents decided to donate a set, knowing firsthand how something as simple as the right equipment can change a child’s confidence – not just on the mountain, but in life. If I can be a part of giving kids that kind of confidence, then I know I’ve succeeded in my role. No child should ever be held back just because they don’t have access to the equipment they need," said Grayson proudly. "Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this incredible day. I will never forget it. The work you are doing is truly life-changing, and you will always have a friend in me and my family from Kentucky."

Winter Camp Achieve is held for kids ages 5-19, and provides an opportunity for kids with limb differences to try everything from the bunny hill to black diamonds when they’re ready. Shriners Children’s 20th Camp Achieve Winter was enjoyed by 30 campers and 25 volunteers on February 1.

For information about camps, contact:

Britta Kleinwolterink
childlifetc@shrinenet.org
612-718-2311