Camp Winning Hands: Empowering Kids, Building Community

Each summer, campers from across the western United States gather at Camp Winning Hands, an inclusive and empowering camp designed for children with congenital hand and upper limb differences. Many of the campers are patients from Shriners Children's Northern California, eager to experience a camp where their focus is on having fun, not explaining their differences.

Shriners Children's Northern California proudly partners with UC San Francisco (UCSF) Benioff Children's Hospital to organize this unique camp, hosted by the generous Taylor Family Foundation. Nestled in the serene rolling hills of Camp Arroyo in Livermore, California, the campgrounds provide a perfect backdrop for adventure and personal growth.

"Every child deserves to experience the joy of friendship and the satisfaction of personal achievement, no matter their physical abilities," said Yuen Leung, Camp Winning Hands assistant director and Shriners Children's Northern California pediatric RN.

"The magic of Camp Winning Hands lies in its ability to create an environment where campers can push their boundaries, build confidence and foster a sense of community," Yuen said. "The dedication and compassion of the volunteers and Shriners Children's staff are the heartbeat of this camp. When parents and our patients ask us for future camp dates after recently returning from camp, plan their summer vacations around it, and campers are willing to celebrate their birthdays at camp, I believe we are on the right track."

Camp Winning Hands serves children with a variety of hand and upper limb differences, including missing arms, hands, or fingers;webbed or fused fingers,extra digitsand conditions such asconstriction band syndrome. The camp is designed to provide a safe space where kids can enjoy classic camp activities like zip-lining, rock climbing, archery, swimming and roasting s'mores, without worrying about their physical differences.

"The collaboration between Shriners Children's and UCSF Benioff Children's that allows us to give so many kids an amazing summer is truly a gift that follows these kids long after camp," said Ginny Gibson, OTR, CHT, Camp Winning Hands director and occupational therapist at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital. "The skills they learn here are truly life-changing."

One of the camp's most impactful offerings is the "teen talk," where campers between the ages of 13 and 17 can share experiences, ask uncomfortable questions and learn from their peers. This unique session helps them feel understood and supported in a way they rarely experience in other environments.

"This year of camp was definitely a special year," said David Trujillo, Camp Winning Hands counselor, former camper and Shriners Children's Northern California patient alumnus. "The kids and teens were able to have fun and learn a lot from camp alumni."

The camp experience goes beyond just the campers. Parents and guardians also benefit from the opportunity to connect with a wider network of families facing similar challenges. For many, Camp Winning Hands is a chance to exchange information, share resources and offer support to new campers' families.

"There was this moment at the final night dance party at Camp Winning Hands this year," said Sarah Tuberty, former Shriners Children's Northern California patient and current Shriners Children's Philadelphia occupational therapist. "The teen campers were all dancing in a circle, every one of them singing and laughing, with their hands in the air. I started crying, because this is why this camp is so beautiful: These campers felt safe to be teenagers and be in community with each other and they didn't need to hide."

Every year, Camp Winning Hands continues to be a space where children with hand differences are celebrated, friendships are built and new heights are reached.