We are proud to work with the United Spinal Association, as one of their national partners, to support local chapters and improve the lives of those living with spinal cord injuries and disorders. Our volunteers nationwide have offered their time, talent, and expertise in support of both organizations’ missions.
Camp United 2019 was held on Saturday, May 18 at the Joe E. Davis Outdoor Center in Antioch, TN. This facility is totally accessible on 1600 acres on Percy Priest Lake. They rent the Lodge and the waterfront for the day and host their campers and vendors.
This is the third year they have held this adaptive sports day inviting their United Spinal members and the SCI community to participate in a daylong event, Free of Charge, thanks to sponsors. The TN Chapter provides them with everything they need from volunteers to snacks to water to lunch and swag thanks to USA.org. It gives them an opportunity to share a day of comradery with the community and give a little back to those that don’t have access to outdoor activities.
Volunteers from local universities and community groups, both church and local Boy Scout troops assist with the campers. This year they had eagle scouts come and work on their disability badges during the event. They also brought students out to see what it’s like to be disabled in the community, not just the classroom.
The event brought out over 300 people, including campers, volunteers and vendors. They launched over 100 people in kayaks, and everyone experienced the adaptive Zip Line (one of only two available for the disability community in the country.) They also had wheelchair tennis and Badmitten Para Olympian and USATN board member Amy Bennett show them how it’s done.