Putnam County youth takes part in Camp Riley

Saturday, July 13, 2013

Camp Riley empowers children with physical disabilities by providing enriching, life-changing experiences in a traditional camping environment tailored to their individual needs. Coatesville's 16-year-old Cody Coffman will leave Sunday for the two-week session, which is for older campers who are ready for a longer camp experience and thrive in a 1-to-3 staff-to-camper ratio.

For 58 years, campers have shattered perceived limitations, met new friends and reached higher achievements, allowing them to return home with an increased sense of independence and confidence.

Camp Riley sessions offer camaraderie, thrills, and new perspectives through swimming, hiking, horseback riding, vertical climbing on a 40-foot tower, canoeing, art projects and other activities.

Camp Riley takes place at Bradford Woods, Indiana University's outdoor recreation center located 20 miles southwest of Indianapolis (near Martinsville, Ind.). Eligible children ages 8 to 18 can attend one of five Camp Riley sessions offered over a six-week span. The facility is universally accessible and the staff-to-camper ratio never exceeds 1-to-3. Camp Riley is an extension of Riley Hospital for Children, integrating medical and nursing directors, pharmacists and staff to the Camp Riley program. Twenty-four hour medical care is available by Riley Hospital staff.

Since 1955, Camp Riley has been a "home away from home" to more than 12,000 children. In 2013, 223 campers will attend Camp Riley, representing 57 Indiana counties and seven states.

Thanks to Riley Children's Foundation and donors, the cost to attend Camp Riley is $400 for a one-week session and $800 for a two-week session. Beyond that, a sliding scale is available depending on household income. Every child can attend Camp Riley regardless of their ability to pay. No child is turned away.

Donors interested in providing the Camp Riley experience to Indiana children with the gift of a campership should contact Riley Children's Foundation. To find out how you can send a child to next summer's camp, visit RileyKids.org/camp or call 317-634-4474 (toll-free 877-867-4539).

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