Photo by AK Photos

What happens when you stick seven teenagers with spinal cord injuries, their favorite plus ones, two Craig Rec Therapists, Greg from the Kelly Brush Foundation, and Joe from Teton Adaptive Sports in Jackson, Wyoming…MAGIC!

The KBF and Craig Hospital had their 3rd TRAC (Teen Rehabilitation At Craig) Camp from July 30-August 6. This year the program teamed up with Teton Adaptive Sports to provide a week of adaptive sports and community building. Each of the seven teenagers was allowed to bring a non-parent plus one (like a friend or sibling!) to spend a week in Jackson Wyoming, learning about what is still possible after their life-altering injuries. Campgoers made new friends, grew as individuals, and had the opportunity to be mentored by others in the SCI community. 

The participant days were filled with so many awesome adaptive sports! They learned how to adaptive mountain bike on some beautiful cross-country trails at the Mike Harris Campground over Teton Pass in Victor Idaho, paddle and try disc golf at Rendezvous Park/Pond, explore the town of Jackson, enjoy a private wildlife tour around Teton National Park (no Grizzly bear sightings unfortunately), hike along the Snake River, and ride the downhill mountain bike trails at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.

Here are a few quotes to show how important and impactful this trip was:

“This trip meant a lot to me in many ways, especially since I got to meet all of you wonderful people. To me making connections with great people is greater than anything we did on the trip. But I have to say not being around my parents and proving to my parents and myself I can do things on my own was a huge plus. Also getting on a bowhead for the first time showed me that one day I can be a bowhead racer. All these adaptive sports/ activities we did made me want to move to the mountains and get back outside and do the things I love. Thank you to Craig, Kelly Brush Foundation, and Teton Adaptive Sports for giving me this opportunity to meet and spend great time with all of you and to allow me to get back outside and resume doing the things I loved pre-injury!“

“Honestly, the camp was important to me because I wanted to experience traveling alone and I wanted to do something better for myself rather than stay home most of the time. I learned that a lot of us are very similar and different from each other but we all got together and helped each other out when we needed it. It was honestly just fun being able to see nature in a better way and being able to connect with other people I never met. I’m glad I was able to get out of my comfort zone and do something completely different from what I used to do and have fun while doing it. Thank you KBF!!!!Not only did this trip bring me closer to nature but it also brought me closer to myself, I loved biking and hiking and doing so many fun outdoor activities. It was such a fun experience and I will forever cherish all the memories created with all my new friends.“