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Bounce Out the Stigma Special Needs Basketball Camps

May 22, 2016
Our camp is in Kentucky the week of July 26th-29th.  We are in Lexington the 26th-27th and Louisville the 28th-29th.  Camp is from 9am-2pm daily and children receive a t-shirt, basketball and daily snacks.

Our uniquely challenged kids feel awkward at the “all-star” camps, and cannot fit in to a full special needs camp. Bounce Out the Stigma™ and our signature  Challenged Youth Basketball Camps™ provide that outlet and truly fit that child’s need.

  • Provide a small, interactive, supportive atmosphere where children can increase knowledge about one’s self, environment, limitations and goals
  • Integrate growth and learning as campers have fun, overcome obstacles and work with other children and staff
  • Small ration of 3 campers per instructor providing unique specialized improvement and care
  • Have our campers gain a sense of accomplishment with experiences that leave them smiling, so that they are both stronger and better prepared to flourish in their “daily world”
  • Provide each child with a strong core belief in their ability to overcome everyday challenges without frustration
In the summer of 1994, 16 year old Mike Simmel was attending a top-flight basketball camp and was having a typically solid week for a young point guard.  Midway through that week, the young man had his first major seizure in 10 years, which set him back.  The camp wanted to send him home and “bounce him” out of camp.  Determined, as always, this youngster and his father would not let that happen because of his epilepsy.  Mike stayed, and finished out the week strong.  From that day forward, Mike Simmel made a vow that if he could ever put himself in a position to help young people in his same situation, he one day would. Hence the creation of Bounce Out the Stigma™ basketball program, the first and only basketball summer camp of its kind, for children with special needs in the country.

               Red Venture Bounce-2042              i-p5Xr77K-X3  MM BALL OVER HEAD

Bounce Out the Stigma Special Needs Basketball Camps’ core purpose is empowering children, and that empowerment is our primary value to our campers. Bounce Out the Stigma ™ is unique in that we submerge children in basketball activities that they have not experienced because of the limitations others placed on these kids in the past. In developing a new skill set through motor drills, our campers are taught to aim higher, tackling everyday challenges and troubles with greater confidence. Our camp is not a “specialty” camp nor does it make children feel isolated. The campers can all relate to “Mighty Mike” and his personal story and will use that as motivation to get the most out of their own individual experiences. When our week is over, each child will walk away knowing they gave their collective best effort with a smile on their face! Our program model is full proof and has stood the test of many years. We currently have had camps and programs in 19 states and look to expand to have other kids experience their own success. “Mighty Mike” has been honored in many circles for his work including: being named a Kentucky Colonel and one of the Ten Outstanding Young Americans.  He also is the author of the acclaimed book Mighty Mike Bounces Back. For more information on “Mighty Mike” and the program please check out bounceoutthestigma.org