Apr 17, 2025 — Maddie Kempin: Hand Camp Colorado

Bulletin for April 17, 2025

Featured Speaker: Maddie Kempin

Hand Camp Colorado — Building Confidence and Community for Children with Upper Limb Differences

OPENING

Benny led the group in prayer and John led the Pledge of Allegiance.

CLUB BUSINESS

• July 3rd Meeting: Decision on whether to hold a meeting will be made closer to the date.

• Speaker Schedule: Updated through June 26th.

• Pikes Peak Rodeo: Scheduled for July 9th; grounds open at 4 PM.

• Board Meeting: April 20th — someone is needed to take minutes.

• Guest Speaker Scheduling: Efforts underway to schedule John Suthers and a city stormwater representative.

• Market Update: Sharp MBS decline — sharpest since 2014. Government loan rates at 6.5–7%. Recovery possible with China agreement.

KEYNOTE: MADDIE KEMPIN — HAND CAMP COLORADO

Maddie is a hand therapist who works with Hand Camp Colorado to provide a supportive community for children with upper limb differences and their families. She was inspired to specialize in hand therapy after a placement at Shriners Hospital for Children in Philadelphia.

About Hand Camp Colorado

Founded in 2022 (first camp in 2023), Hand Camp Colorado was inspired by a camp at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital in Texas, which Dr. Kao attended and then modeled this program after. The camp is for children aged 4–8 with upper limb differences — congenital or due to trauma or illness.

• 1 in 1,900 children are born with a hand difference

• 95% of attendees report increased confidence and peer connections

• Common conditions: amniotic band syndrome, polydactyly, macrodactyly

• Children are grouped by limb difference type to foster peer connection

• Camp theme for 2025: Superheroes

• 47 children registered for 2025, including 20 siblings; 55 volunteers for 35 slots

Impact and Activities

The camp offers outdoor activities, arts and crafts, and skills stations. Parents participate in breakout sessions to discuss challenges. The club's donation enabled two Colorado Springs children to attend. Hand Camp is scheduled for August 2, 2025 at Buell Mansion this year; next year at Snow Mountain Ranch.

Funding and Growth

• 2024 budget: $8,000; goal for 2026: $35,000

• Current funding: 80% private donations, 15% grants, 5% fundraisers

• Sponsorship packages: $2,500–$10,000

• Insurance cost: $1,400/year

• Plans to expand to a weekend camp in 2026 and eventually serve international participants

Prosthetics and Occupational Therapy

Prosthetics are introduced as early as nine months for mobility, but many children don't take to them initially — they're often reconsidered during adolescence. Shriners provides prosthetics regardless of ability to pay. Occupational therapy trains children in adaptive equipment for self-feeding and daily activities.

"Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth."

— Muhammad Ali

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