Three-decade-old ‘Wheelchair Sports Camp’ at UCSB continues inspiring dozens of kids

A summer challenge is inspiring dozens of kids of all ages at UC Santa Barbara this week. It is the Junior Wheelchair Sports Camp, where the star athletes make their grand entrance on wheels.

Tennis, swimming, rock wall climbing, rugby, dodgeball and basketball are among the dozens of sporting events offered here each summer.

“Some of our kids walk, some of our kids use power wheelchairs, some use manual wheelchairs,” said Rene Van Hoorn, Director of the Junior Wheelchair Sports Camp.

This is the go-to spot for kids and teens between the ages of 6 and 19, from Los Angeles to Oregon and the only camp of its type on the Central Coast.

“I loved how all the instructors pushed me,” said Nicholas Van Hecke, “I think a lot of them demanded the best of me.”

Counselors and instructors are also wheelchair users, including Van Hecke, who started as a camper 11 years ago.

“I’ve never seen so much joy on a kid’s face,” Van Hecke said. “They’re having a blast and they’re learning how to be independent and learning that just because they’re in a chair doesn’t mean they can’t go out and be physical and have fun.”

Great role models teaching campers with physical challenges how to stay active and healthy.

“These kids don’t normally get to do things like swimming or play tennis or basketball so it’s fun to help them try new things and make new goals for themselves,” said Olivia Geyling, a camp volunteer.

The event is now 32 years strong and is held each year at UCSB. Thanks to more than a decade of sponsorship by Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation, the camp is free. This year, the camp has 40 registered participants and more than 80 instructors and volunteers.

“They see that, ‘Oh my gosh, I can go be an athlete! I can go be an engineer. I can go be a teacher. I can go and live my life like everyone else,'” Van Hoorn said. “And that is the biggest part of camp.”

Van Hoorn, a Recreational Therapist at Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital, has headed up the camp for the past 11 years.

Teamwork and team building. Van Hecke has one piece of advice for someone hesitant to sign up.

“Come, try it!” Van Hecke said with a big smile.

For more information, visit https://www.cottagehealth.org.