Swimming, hiking, climbing alpine towers and riding horses- these are just some of the activities kids look forward to doing at summer camp. For children with ventilators and other respiratory needs, these activities may seem impossible. But at CHAMP Camp -- a summer camp in Ashley, Ohio, specifically designed for children with tracheotomies and those requiring technological and ventilator assistance -- nothing is impossible.

The belief that "Children Have A Lot of Motivation and Potential" is how CHAMP Camp got its name. Counselors at the camp stress the importance of a "can do" attitude, encouraging and assisting children with activities they may not be able to do elsewhere. The counselors, in fact, are one of the most important aspects of CHAMP Camp.

This past June, six Ohio State students in respiratory therapy volunteered to be counselors at CHAMP Camp, in lieu of a week of clinical work required by the respiratory therapy program. They worked with 28 eight to 18 year old campers from Ohio and surrounding states.

Some of the children are paraplegic or quadriplegic, and every one of them requires a ventilator or other respiratory assistance. These challenges, however, did not dampen the campers' spirits. In fact, they had the "best time," according to Sarah McNee, a senior in RT and CHAMP Camp counselor. "The kids were in such great spirits."

The excitement of seeing the campers reaching the top of a 55-foot alpine tower, canoeing and singing songs are some of McNee's favorite memories. "The camp also helped me to build my confidence," she said. "I can really do this stuff -- take care of the kids and their medical needs. It is rewarding to know I helped them have a good time."

Kayla Williams, a fifth-year senior, enjoyed the times when all of the children would gather together for meals. "Even the kids who were tube fed joined us in the lunchroom for socializing," she said. "They also read the announcements for the day, tell jokes, sing songs and play pranks on each other."

Aside from the counselors, many other volunteers help make the camp special for the children. McNee singled out Brian Burhan, camp director. "He makes everything happen, and does anything to make sure the kids can do whatever they want to do."

Williams and McNee both enjoyed working with the campers so much they plan to go back again in the future. "I would definitely do it again and recommend it to new students," said Williams.

"Even though it is more work [than regular clinical sessions], you get to spend all your time outdoors just being a kid," said Williams. "I plan to go back next year, and hope that many of the incoming RT students do as well."

For more information on Champ Camp, including pictures, please click here.