About Us
What is Camp WACK?
We are an adaptive water skiing day camp for children, adolescents, and adults ages 5 to 95.
We specialize in supporting the following diagnosis’
- Down Syndrome
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Cerebral Palsy
- Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries
- Global Developmental and Cognitive Delays
- Genetic Disorders
- Hemiplegia
- Stroke and Seizure Disorders
Each day spent at Camp WACK is a gratifying experience, loaded with adventure, helping to build confidence and camaraderie.
Campers attend ski sessions that are a minimum of 2 hours with a parent/guardian . Upon arrival, individuals register and are assisted to find an appropriate life jacket. Next, campers are fit to a ski seat and modifications are made as necessary. Led by a team of rehab professionals and experienced volunteers, campers are encouraged to challenge their abilities by decreasing adaptations as appropriate.
Each ski experience is accompanied by 1-2 personal watercrafts (jetskis), which are operated by local DNR, sheriff, and/or state police officers. Trained volunteers assist each skier as they enter the water and prepare to ski. Each are towed by boat drivers with USA Waterski certifications and many years of experience.
‘Jumpers’ are present on each PWC and are equipped to support skiers at a moments notice. EMT and CPR certified volunteers are available on water and land at all times.
Skiers will get unlimited opportunities to ski during their time frame. Between turns while waiting on land, there are always opportunities to socialize while waiting for your next ride.
Camp WACK volunteers are composed of many different people, who over the years have become friends and mentors. Key volunteers include those who are lifeguard trained and CPR/safety certified. Other professionals, essential to our success include; Department of Natural Resource (DNR) officers, Sheriff and local Fire Dept., health care providers (ie. speech language pathologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, behavior specialists, special educators) and other first responders. All of our volunteers are invaluable. They push skiers to try new things, initiate friendly exchanges, and problem solve the fit of equipment, all while sharing in the joy accomplished as each camper conquers new skills on the water.
Camp History
Camp WACK (Water Adventure Camp for Kids) started taking shape in mid 2006. Amie Gish, a physical therapy assistant; and Nikki Shaffer, an occupational therapist, had a dream about providing opportunities for children with disabilities to engage in summer sports. While working within the pediatric rehabilitation population, they became extremely aware of the lack of options for their kiddos to engage in sports. Sports contribute to important life experiences which include development of friendship, persistence, self-esteem, leadership, teamwork skills, all mixed with fun!
Due to the adaptations needed to participate and foster success in summer sports, many of these children are often unable to join typical community programs. Due to a love for water skiing and some helpful connections, Camp WACK was born. Amie and Nikki spent time volunteering and observing a local adult adaptive water skiing program and, with a small group of dedicated therapists, the idea came to life. In conjunction with the Rehab Hospital of Indiana, Camp WACK held its first pediatric focused event on June 13th, 2007. Since this date, Camp WACK has evolved and now includes a five member Board of Directors. In 2009, Camp WACK became an established nonprofit with 501c3 status, under the name of Modified Athletics for Kids (MAK). Thus, all contributions are considered tax-deductible.
Lake Harner in Lafayette, Indiana will always be “home” for Camp WACK. However, in 2013, the full vision of Modified Athletics for Kids, Inc. was achieved. Another regional opportunity for adaptive water skiing was able to be offered in Warsaw, Indiana, with our north central “home” being Camelot Lake in Milford.