Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images by Reagan Young and Justin Hunter
For 13 summers, Camp COOL (Children Overcoming Obstacles through Love) has created a place where children and young adults with cerebral palsy or spina bifida can experience the joy of summer camp without barriers, without limits, and at no cost.
Here are five things that make Camp COOL the coolest cause in town:
1. It’s totally free
Camp COOL is 100% free for campers and their families! Zero-expense experiences are a rare gift when you consider the mountain of medical costs that come with a diagnosis of cerebral palsy or spina bifida. For many families, fun extras like summer camp aren’t financially possible. Camp COOL makes sure that kids with disabilities don’t miss out on the same summer fun their peers enjoy: swimming, talent shows, crafts, laughter, friendships, and lasting memories.
2. It all started with one family
Camp COOL Founder Brittney Henson is very close to her cousin, Ty, who has cerebral palsy. Back in the ’90s, Ty attended a special needs camp in Florida, and Brittney and her family soon became long-time volunteers there. Year after year, they made the drive to help. This yearly excursion had Brittney wondering, “What if we brought that same camp experience home to Walker County?” In 2013, she told her mom, “Hey, I think we should do it.” Three months later, Camp COOL was born.
3. Camp COOL is powered by volunteers
There are no paid staff members at Camp COOL; instead, a group of passionate volunteers make the magic happen year after year. Experienced medical staff are on hand, and every counselor is trained to work with those diagnosed with cerebral palsy and spina bifida. Dedicated parents have even been known to stay up all night printing the beloved annual camp logbooks, which one camper loved so much that their parent laminated every page to keep it safe.
4. The demand is real and growing fast
Word about Camp COOL has spread far and wide, and now Brittney’s phone practically rings off the hook. Teachers, parents, and total strangers are reaching out to ask: Can you take older campers? What about adults? Could you expand it to include more disabilities? Camp COOL is outgrowing its current space and having to turn people away – not because they want to, but because there isn’t enough room…yet. That’s why expansion is the goal: more campers, more counselors, more love to go around.
5. The vision is bigger than summer camp
The long-term dream? A permanent property that serves the special needs community year-round. Imagine a campus where campers can return again and again for retreats, classes, life skills programs, and more. A place where individuals with disabilities can learn to budget, cook, and live independently while still getting to enjoy the fun and connection that only a camp can bring. Camp COOL wants to be all of that and more.
Want to help Camp COOL grow? Join us this weekend for the COOL Kids 5K + Car Wash – a fun, family-friendly way to support a mission that’s changing lives. Whether you run, walk, roll, or just come for the fun activities, every dollar raised helps Camp COOL expand its reach and welcome even more incredible campers!
Sign up today, bring your friends, and be part of something COOL! WL
Click here to register for the COOL Kids 5K+Car Wash
