Just imagine what it would be like to spend a week of your summer whitewater rafting through a remote canyon, enduring windstorms, quick sand, and insect attacks.  Now imagine you are missing one or more limbs.  In that context, it sounds like anything but fun, but in reality, it was the trip of a lifetime for BHS alum Jaime Manning.

 

Manning, who has a long list of international adventures, had the opportunity to serve as a counselor for the Un-limb-ited Camp in Utah this summer.  The camp is staffed by members of physical and recreational therapists, nurses and those with expertise in prosthetics.  Designed for kids 13-17 years old, the camp helps amputees reach their full potential by involving them in adaptive sports such as whitewater rafting, wilderness camping, skiing and snowboarding.

 

Un-Limb-ited Camps are sponsored by the Shriner’s Hospital for Children, a network of 22 medical facilities in North America that focus on serving kids with disabilities regardless of their ability to pay.  Across the nation, Shriner’s Hospitals specialize in orthopedic conditions, spinal cord injuries, burns and cleft palates, but the Salt Lake City, Utah location, where Manning works, focuses mainly on orthopedic issues, including limb discrepancies. 

 

The camp is free of charge and allows children with amputations to interact with peers while understanding the use of their prosthetics through recreational activities.  Winter camp features adaptive skiing and snowboarding and summer camp focuses on whitewater rafting and wilderness camping.  When Manning decided to be a counselor this summer, she had no idea what an emotional and rewarding experience it would be.

 

“We experienced over 60 Class II and III rapids while rafting down the Desolation Canyon section of the Green River in Eastern Utah.  The walls on the sides were up to 5000 feet tall and the mosquitos got so bad we had to wear full body mosquito suits.  With blistering temperatures, primitive camping and severe weather, you would have thought the kids would be miserable, but there wasn’t a single complaint,” said Manning. 

 

The 17 campers spent six days on the river with 10 counselors and six rafting guides. The group, who had upper, lower, or upper and lower extremities amputated, travel 84 miles carrying all their gear and boats.  “They woke up every morning and faced the challenges the river brought the same way they face the everyday challenges of being an amputee. They are truly my heroes,” said Manning.

 

Manning, who has a history of serving others through mission trips and worldwide adventures, feels honored to be a part of this camp.  Those wanting to apply for the camps can get more information at www.unlimbitedcamp.org.