What is Camp WACK?
We are an adaptive water skiing day camp for children, adolescents, and adults ages 5 to 95, who have physical and/or mental disabilities. Many of our campers have one of the following diagnoses: Down’s Syndrome, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury, Transverse Myelitis, and other genetic disorders.
Each day spent at Camp WACK is a gratifying experience, loaded with adventure, helping to build confidence and camaraderie. Camp WACK is held 
for four days, typically in mid July. Our home base is Lake Harner in Lafayette, Indiana, where our three day event is hosted. We also offer a one day satellite camp in Milford, Indiana. Prior to the campers’ arrival, a core group of volunteers works diligently to organize and prepare for a day of fun in the sun. Each volunteer is trained specifically for their duties; with those assisting in the water often possessing specialized knowledge or certifications. In addition to the main event — ADAPTIVE WATERSKIING — traditional on-shore activities are offered. These include fishing, creative arts, water games, as well as opportunities to socialize with others further contributing to highlights of the day.
Camp WACK volunteers are comprised of many different people, including health care professionals, who at camp are friends and mentors. Key volunteers include those who are life guard trained, CPR certified, and safety certified. Additionally, members of the Indiana State Police Dive Team, Department of Natural Resource officers, and health care providers (ie. speech language pathologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists and special educators), are essential to our success. All of our volunteers are invaluable, as they encourage campers to try new things, initiate friendly exchanges, problem solve the fit of skis, bait fishing lines, all the while shouting for joy with each new camper.
CAMP WACK MISSION AND PHILOSOPHY
THE MISSION OF CAMP WACK is to provide opportunities for children and adults with disabilities to gain confidence and dignity through participation in sports and recreation. Campers highly enjoy and fully engage in adaptive water skiing, while also taking time to participate in on-shore activities that facilitate independence, self-reliance, and confidence. All this fun in the sun is sure to create memories that last a lifetime!
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 for the past three years.