Unique, Free Camp Brings Together Maryland Kids With Limb Differences

More than 75 children spent a week in July at a special camp designed just for them — and it didn't cost their families a single dollar. Camp Open Arms is a free summer camp for kids who have limb differences, meaning they were born with or later lost part of an arm or leg. This year, the camp took place at Camp Running Bear in Baltimore County, Maryland. The theme was Candyland, and campers enjoyed games, food, and activities in a colorful, candy-themed world.

Camp Open Arms is now in its 12th year. It was started by Dr. Joshua Azbug, a children's bone and joint doctor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. The camp is paid for by dozens of donors who want to make sure every kid can attend for free. Dr. Azbug believes the camp gives children a chance to try new things without fear of being judged.

Dr. Azbug said the camp creates a safe space for kids to try activities they might avoid elsewhere. He explained that at camp, kids don't have to worry about being bullied, made fun of, or stared at. That sense of safety is one of the biggest reasons families keep coming back year after year.

One camper named Navarro has attended for several years and has made many friends there. He was born with a difference in his hand, and his parents wanted him to be around other kids who understood what that was like. He sometimes gets teased at school, but camp feels completely different. 'But like, when you're here, it doesn't work like that. It doesn't happen,' Navarro said.

Camper Anna proudly showed off her prosthetic leg, which is an artificial leg she wears every day. She pointed out that the leg she chose for camp had a special rubber sole to help her grip the ground. When asked how she adjusted after her leg was amputated, she said it happened when she was young and got easier with time. 'It's like riding a bike. The first time it's hard, but then after that, it's easy,' Anna said.

The Candyland theme made this year extra special for everyone at the camp. Campers got to do science experiments using candy, slide down a water slide called the 'sugar rush,' and enjoy decorations featuring giant lollipops. A camper named Brooklynn said she made chocolate bars and chocolate-covered strawberries. It was her third year, and she loves how each new year brings a fresh theme and new friendships.

'It's the best camp a girl could ever wish for,' Brooklynn said after hugging her new friend, Scarlet. Scarlet attended for the first time this year and was thrilled by everything she got to do. She is already hoping to come back next summer. For all the campers at Camp Open Arms, a week in Candyland was much more than just fun — it was a reminder that they are never alone.