Laughter, adventure, and the spirit of discovery filled Camp Horsin’ Around this summer as children with special needs embarked on a mermaid and pirate-themed journey during Camp Can Do’s “The Hunt for Hidden Treasure.” Throughout the day, campers made new friends, tried exciting activities, and created lasting memories. Behind every smile was a community of generous donors, dedicated staff, and volunteers who helped make the experience possible.

Supported by an $8,800 contribution from the Ephraim McDowell Health Care Foundation, Camp Can Do provides a unique camp experience for past and current clients of Ephraim McDowell Kids Can Do Pediatric Therapy Center. The Foundation’s support, made possible through donor generosity, helps ensure children can enjoy a day of fun, adventure, and belonging in an environment designed just for them.

This year holds special significance as Kids Can Do Pediatric Therapy Center celebrates its 20th anniversary of serving children and families throughout the region. Since 2006, the center has provided specialized therapy services designed to help children reach their fullest potential. Camp Can Do has been an extension of that mission since 2010, when the program began partnering with Camp Horsin’ Around to provide campers with an inclusive and adaptive camp experience.

This year’s camp also celebrated the largest number of volunteer buddies in the program’s history. These dedicated volunteers spent the week alongside campers, offering encouragement, assistance, and friendship while helping create an experience where every child felt welcomed and supported. Many campers benefited from the attention of two volunteer buddies, allowing for even more meaningful connections throughout the day.

“There is something truly special about watching this community come together for these children,” said Brandie James, Philanthropy Coordinator for the Ephraim McDowell Health Care Foundation. “Our donors may never see every smile or hear every laugh their gifts make possible, but they are at the heart of this experience. Their generosity creates opportunities for children to enjoy camp, build confidence, and simply have fun being kids. We are also incredibly grateful for the volunteers who give their time and energy to make each camper feel valued and included.”

Throughout the day, campers embraced the mermaid and pirate theme by participating in adaptive activities and adventures designed to encourage independence, social engagement, and personal growth while enjoying a traditional camp atmosphere. The experience encouraged children to discover their own strengths while sharing in the excitement of the day’s quest.

For many families, Camp Can Do provides opportunities that might not otherwise be available in a typical camp setting.

“Camp Can Do is about so much more than a day of activities,” said Vanessa Welty, occupational therapist at Ephraim McDowell Kids Can Do Pediatric Therapy Center. “It’s about confidence, friendships, and helping children discover what they can do. Seeing so many volunteers show up to support our campers this year was incredible, and we’re so grateful for the Foundation and the donors who make it all possible.”

For more than two decades, Ephraim McDowell Kids Can Do Pediatric Therapy Center has helped children and families navigate challenges, celebrate milestones, and achieve goals they once thought impossible. While activities and faces may change from year to year, the mission of Camp Can Do remains the same: creating a place where every child feels valued, supported, and included.

About the Ephraim McDowell Health Care Foundation, Inc.

The Ephraim McDowell Health Care Foundation, Inc. supports the mission of Ephraim McDowell Health by funding programs, services, and initiatives that enhance patient care and improve community health. Through the generosity of donors, the Foundation invests in opportunities that make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and families throughout the region.

For more information about the Foundation’s efforts, please visit https://emhealth.org/health-care-foundation/ or contact Brandie James at bjames@emhealth.org.