Camp Winning Hands

Camp Winning Hands is a free overnight camp for children with congenital hand and upper limb differences. Campers between the ages of 7 and 17 get the opportunity to have fun and challenge themselves in a safe, supportive environment. Activities are organized by the pediatric hand care teams at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland and Shriners Hospitals for Children – Northern California. The Taylor Family Foundation hosts the camp, set in the hills above Livermore, California.

Empowering children

Kids at Camp Winning Hands are empowered by the experience of camping in an environment where they feel protected and encouraged. Hand and limb differences suddenly don't seem so important.

Campers are invited to challenge themselves through a variety of activities, such as archery, rock climbing, team sports, arts and crafts, swimming and many types of games. They get to connect with other kids as well as volunteer counselors, many of whom have hand and limb differences and can serve as mentors. Sharing three to four days of new adventures, handling social, physical and emotional challenges together, fosters bonds that often last well beyond the camp experience.

A resource for families

Camp Winning Hands links parents to a wider network of families with children who have hand and limb differences. Returning parents also have a chance to share information and offer support to parents of new campers. A whole community of camp families has developed since Camp Winning Hands opened in 2010.

The camp

Camp Winning Hands takes place at Camp Arroyo in Livermore. Our Kids Camp is for children 7 to 11 years old. Teen Camp is for kids 12 to 17 years old. Each camp is staffed with professionals and volunteers from UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, Shriners Hospitals for Children – Northern California, and Samuel Merritt University.

Camp Winning Hands is free for participating families. Funding is partially provided by the Taylor Family Foundation, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland and Shriners Hospital for Children – Northern California.