Kevin Myren volunteers at Camp Chicago

When DPT student, Kevin Myren, heard about the volunteer opportunity to help Chicago children in wheelchairs experience a week-long summer camp, he responded right away. And he’s really glad he did.

CAMP Chicago (formerly Camp Schwab) provides kids with varying abilities the opportunity to experience the amazing amenities that Chicago has to offer. In the free five-day camp, campers can use adaptive equipment to do “ordinary” things that many have never been able to do: go boogie boarding, sailing, and kayaking at the beach, bike ride, and much more. They experience accessible Chicago cultural venues, like Navy Pier, as well. See the NBC Chicago news video clip highlighting this year’s program.

It was a blast to be able to meet all the campers and assist them so that they could have fun at the beach! I was able to use the skills that I have attained in my education at UIC to help the kids with using the restroom, change in and out of their swimsuits, and most importantly, transfer them from their wheelchairs to the waters of Lake Michigan.

Kevin Myren, UIC DPT student