Camp PossAbility where obstacles end

Aug. 13--Dustin Faurote would like to learn how to ride a horse, but because he suffered a spinal cord injury seven years ago he has never tried.

A new non-profit organization is starting a camp for young adults with physical disabilities that could change that for Faurote, 26. Camp PossAbility will be one week long and cater to young adults ages 18-35. Lauren Harmison, CEO & Camp Director, said they have chosen that age range because there are no camps offered for people in this age range in Indiana, most camps target younger people.

For Faurote, who was injured in a body surfing accident seven years ago, it would allow him to go swimming and not feel self-conscious about his disability. He would also be able to learn how to ride a horse, something his girlfriend and family enjoys doing.

Harmison said the campers will be mentally high functioning individuals who have physical disabilities that keep them from enjoying routine camp activities like swimming, zip-lining, canoeing, horseback riding and archery. The camps slogan is" "where obstacles end and possAbilities begin."

Noah Barbknecht, 16, lost the use of his legs 19-months ago in a skiing accident. He is excited about a camp like this that would cater to young adults. Barbknecht has not let his disability slow him down. Wheelchair bound he still competes in shot put and discus. He still hunts using an electric powered cart. He was recently given a hand-cycle and has been working to become better at it.

The camp is adapted for people just like Dustin and Noah. It's a place they can let down their hair for a week.

Harmison said she came up with the idea along with two other women, Cyndy Lee and Judi Meeham who all worked together at a camp for people with disabilities in Missouri. Harmison lives here in Fort Wayne and has been working on the project from the Indiana end.

The plan is to hold the camp at Bradfrod Woods near Martinsville starting in 2015. The idea is to make it an annual one-week camp. IU owns the campground, designed for people with disabilities and charges a rental fee for its use. The cost is $60,000 for one week. They will also need to pay for insurance. The cost per camper if $700, but they are working on raising money for scholarships so more people can afford to come. They hope to get 40 people signed up for the 2015 camp. Harmison said they need volunteers; they would like to have one volunteer per camper.

October 17 there will be a fundraiser for the organization at the Walb Student Union Walb International Ballroom, 2101 E. Coliseum Blvd. There will be a dinner and live auction to benefit Camp PossAbility with special guests Brettly Otterman and Tyler Dale from the History Channel show, American Restoration and emcee Curtis Smith from 21 Alive. Dinner and cash bar provided by Goeglein's Catering with chocolate fountain provided by Fort Wayne Chocolate Fountain.

Harmison said there will also be a meet and greet at 5:30, special tickets are needed for this and the rest of the events will start at 6:30. For more information and to get tickets go to http://www.camppossability.org/events/.

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