SAN ANTONIO – Morgan’s Wonderland Camp, the new Ultra-Accessible™, fully-inclusive recreational oasis at 23400 Cibolo Vista on the northern outskirts of San Antonio, will host its first camp for a national health organization, the U. S. Pain Foundation, June 19-23.
The foundation’s Pediatric Pain Warrior Family Summer Camp is expected to attract more than 200 pediatric “pain warriors” – young people of up to 17 years old from all across the nation who live with chronic conditions or serious injuries that cause pain – and their parents or caregivers, said Casey Cashman, Pediatric Pain Warrior program director. These families deal daily with conditions such as migraine and headache diseases, arthritis, lupus, complex regional pain syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, gastrointestinal conditions, musculoskeletal pain, dysautonomia, eye disorders and more.
“These children and their families truly inspire us in how they manage their challenging health conditions,” Cashman said. “We are so excited to have found Morgan’s Wonderland Camp, which will provide amazing experiences for these families. This camp is crucial for their physical health in proving they can overcome obstacles and participate in activities many of their peers do. It also is vitally important for their mental health to meet others living with similar conditions and challenges and finally feel accepted and understood.”
Among highlights of the camp will be the observance of the global awareness campaign, “Shades for Migraine,” on Tuesday, June 21, which challenges everyone to wear a pair of sunglasses to show support for people living with migraine diseases worldwide. With June being National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, the U. S. Pain Foundation is teaming up with other organizations that day to raise awareness – in this case, by having all campers wear sunglasses.
In addition, San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg is going to proclaim June 19-24 as “Pediatric Pain Warrior Week.” The hope is that with increased awareness about the effects of chronic pain in pediatrics, children and their families will have better support, outcomes and access to effective pain care.
Throughout camp, pediatric pain warriors and their families will participate in educational sessions with separate tracks for parents and kids; daily support groups for parents, siblings and pediatric pain warriors; and fun camp activities.
“The U. S. Pain Foundation and our Pediatric Pain Warrior program are committed to improving the lives of people with pain,” said Nicole Hemmenway, CEO. “Kids with chronic pain and their families face unique challenges everywhere from the doctor’s office to the classroom. With limited options available for children, this subset population within the chronic pain community is vastly underserved. U. S. Pain is deeply invested in helping such children and their families.”
About U. S. Pain Foundation
The mission of the U. S. Pain Foundation is to empower, educate, connect and advocate for individuals living with chronic illness and serious injuries that cause pain, as well as their caregivers and clinicians. Its programs and services include a network of support groups, educational resources and events, a program for children and their families, federal advocacy efforts, a magazine called the Invisible Project and more. The U. S. Pain Foundation is a 501(3)(c) nonprofit organization. For more information, visit www.USPainFoundation.org.
About Morgan’s Wonderland Camp
Located next to the JW Marriott Hill Country Resort and Spa, $34 million Morgan’s Wonderland Camp encompasses 102 acres and offers summer-camp-like experience year-round for an array of groups, organizations and families. What sets this camp apart is that it’s Ultra-Accessible™, meaning that children and adults of all abilities can take advantage of every amenity the camp has to offer. It features 15 major recreational elements that those with special needs can enjoy just like everyone else.
Some of the key attractions that offer fun for all are two Ultra-Accessible™ ziplines – both 11 stories tall with variable speed controls; a challenge course with four Ultra-Accessible™ climbing walls; four major aquatic elements (a warmed pool, a large activity pool with beachfront access, a relaxing river and a splash pad with water tower); spacious stables and horses for riding; and 20 cabins that can house up to approximately 500 campers at a time. For more information, visit www.MorgansWonderlandCamp.com.
Morgan’s Wonderland Camp is an outgrowth of the success of world-renowned Morgan’s Wonderland theme park, and it’s the newest member of Morgan’s Inclusion Initiative, the nonprofit umbrella organization that coordinates planning, fundraising and communications for the Morgan’s Wonderland “family” of Ultra-Accessible™, fully-inclusive endeavors designed with those with special needs in mind and built for everyone’s enjoyment. In addition to the theme park and camp, Morgan’s Inclusion Initiative includes Morgan’s Inspiration Island splash park, Morgan’s Wonderland Sports complex and projects in progress such as the Multi-Assistance Center at Morgan’s Wonderland, or The MAC. To learn more, visit www.InclusionStartsHere.com.
Ultra-Accessible™ refers to removing both physical and economic barriers that confront children and adults with special needs. This means that those with and without special needs can come together in a fully-inclusive environment for fun and a better understanding of one another.
