Arthritis Foundation's Camp Esperanza celebrates 25 years

September 4, 2010

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Friday, September 3, 2010

Teens with juvenile arthritis spent a week horseback riding, canoeing and

working through rope courses by day and practicing leadership skills by

night at the Arthritis Foundation's Camp Esperanza in the Big Bear Lake area

last week.

This year the camp, dedicated to youth with arthritis, celebrated its 25th

anniversary. About 30 participants ages 15 to 17 were at the site -- YMCA's

Camp Whittle -- from Aug. 22 to 27.

Another week of camp for children of all ages took place at a different site

a week earlier.

" We accommodate every activity, " said camp director Ziegler. " For

example, for horseback riding, they get on the horse from a platform. At

high ropes, they'll keep the tension of the line tighter so they feel more

secure.

" We want them to experience a normal camp. We have a pediatric

rheumatologist up here that takes care of all medications, plus the regular

first aid. "

In addition to the specialist, about 75 percent of the staff and volunteers

either have arthritis or are friends of someone who does.

Ziegler, who was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis when she was 9

months old, was a camper from ages 9 to 15. She returned to volunteer as a

college student in 2003 and became director in the summer of 2006.

Some of the symptoms of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis are inflammation,

pain, swelling and stiffness of the joints. Damage to the joints from

long-lasting inflammation and altered bone growth due to joint inflammation

can also take place.

Ziegler recently had bilateral hip replacement surgery. She scheduled the

procedure so that she would be recovered before the 2010 camp season began.

" This is a great opportunity for teen campers, " she said. " It's unique, a

different experience for them. "

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