ready, set, launch!

By Michael Cafarelli, Camp Leadership Horvitz Fellow, SeriousFun Children's Network

All across the globe, talented teams of staff and volunteers are developing new methods for making our physical sites and programs accessible to children of all abilities. One outstanding example of this practice is the new Adaptive Boat Launch System built last year at Victory Junction, the SeriousFun Camp in North Carolina.

It can be quite challenging for some campers to easily enter and exit canoes and kayaks due to physical limitations brought on by medical conditions. Recognizing this issue, Victory Junction invented a system that would make it easier and even safer for children with mobility issues to experience the joy and adventure that boating activities provide.

Stock Car Steel & Aluminum generously donated the necessary metal materials, including galvanized aluminum, which would be resistant to the corrosion and rust brought on by being outside near the water. Their gift was then fabricated by a skilled team of engineers at Petty's Garage, who custom built the structure specifically for the boats at Victory Junction.

The system allows campers to easily enter boats from dry land, and then counselors are able to securely and smoothly control the boat's entry into the lake.

"Some campers view this system as a fun attraction you would find in a theme park," commented Jacob Byrd, Assistant Camp Director of Victory Junction. "There’s even a Sure Hands Lift System that allows a seamless transfer from a wheelchair into a canoe or kayak! Campers that may have previously elected to not participate have found new curiosity in this system."

Thanks to the combined dedication, generosity and creativity of different people from businesses and camps all coming together, more children are able to 'feel their heart race' at Victory Junction!

Check out this video to see this fantastic innovation in action. To learn more about the amazing team at Victory Junction, please visit www.victoryjunction.org.