A Decade of Camp Love Without Limits

This September, Shriners Children's Texas celebrates the 10th anniversary of Camp Love Without Limits, a weekend summer camp hosted at Camp For All in Burton, Texas. Designed for children with medical needs, the camp provides a barrier-free environment where Shriners Children's patients can experience the same activities as any traditional summer camp within a safe, inclusive setting. Each year, children from across Texas and around the world come together to build friendships, try new activities and discover what they are capable of.

For Sadie, who was treated at Shriners Children's Texas for arthrogryposis, leg length discrepancy and scoliosis, camp opened up a whole new world. She first attended when she was 9 after hearing about it from one of her nurses. Nervous at first, Sadie quickly realized it was unlike any other camp she had experienced.

"At this camp, you're welcome to take your time, go at your own speed, and that's why I like that one," she said.

Her favorite activities included ziplining, the giant swing and rock climbing. Growing up in a Texas lake town where cliff climbing was popular, Sadie always wished she could join in. Camp Love Without Limits gave her that opportunity. "The first year, I remember asking the counselors like four or five times if they were sure that I could go on the rock wall," she said. "Every year I've done it, and every year it's gotten a little bit easier. I like to think that's because I get a little bit stronger."

Sadie also formed lasting friendships with staff and fellow campers. Looking back at six consecutive summers, she said, "Camp Love Without Limits is one of the best memories I have. I think it raised my confidence. It showed me that I can do stuff even if it seems hard or looks really tiring."

Camp Director Allen McBride has seen hundreds of children like Sadie thrive. With more than 20 years of experience at Camp For All, he has watched Camp Love Without Limits grow into what it is today.

"No matter their diagnosis or their ability level, Camp For All is able to meet them where they are," Allen said. "We want to give them opportunities to try things they never thought possible, and in that process build confidence and hope."

Every activity is designed to be both adaptive and fun. Canoeing is modified so that children with limited mobility can participate, horseback riding is set up with extra safety measures, and even the arts and photography programs are adjusted, so every camper can be fully involved. Allen and his staff call this "intentional programming," where each detail is carefully planned to help campers try new things. With wide sidewalks, ramps and accessible cabins, the entire camp is built to level the playing field and give every child the chance to shine.

For Rado, who moved to Houston from Bulgaria three years ago, the camp offered a chance to experience activities he had only dreamed of. Rado was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy, a rare neuromuscular condition, and came to Shriners Children's for treatment and braces that help him stand upright. When he was 12, he attended Camp Love Without Limits for the first time.

The giant swing, one of camp's signature activities, at first intimidated him. "You can choose how high you want to go up," Rado said. "I was like, 'You know what, let me just try all the way.' It was honestly scary while I was going down, but then after I got off, it became my favorite activity."

As much fun as Rado had swinging, his favorite part was the people. He recalled being able to relate to other campers with similar disabilities and said it gave him a sense of belonging. For many patients, this is also their first time spending the night away from their parents, supervised by trained Shriners Children's Texas and Camp For All staff.

Rado's mom, Ralitsa, remembers the first time she let him go on his own. "We are coming from Europe, from Bulgaria. It's not accessible over there, and Rado was never able to try something like this," she said. "When they put Rado in the ramp and in the bus, I was sure he will spend good time over there. And that's what happened. When he came back, he was crying from joy."

"I realized at camp that all the things I've always wanted to do were possible," Rado said. "That was a big moment of realization for me where I was like, 'OK, so I can do what everybody else does.'"

Now 14, Rado has been looking forward to returning to Camp Love Without Limits all year. Over the last decade, the camp has become a milestone for many Shriners Children's Texas patients. As Allen reflected, "The camp is able to give these kids something to look forward to, something that makes them feel like they're not missing out on life."