NATIONAL WHEELCHAIR SPORTS CAMP
JUNE 7 - 12, 2025
A week-long ADAPTIVE SPORTS and recreational camp, featuring INSPIRING SPEAKERS and opportunities to build LASTING RELATIONSHIPS.
Ironwood invites youth and adults with physical challenges of all levels to participate in a variety of sport-themed activities in a supportive and inspiring team environment. Campers are challenged to look beyond their disability while being coached and mentored by world-class Paralympic athletes. Campers will be amazed and encouraged to do things they felt impossible while building relationships with others facing similar challenges.
CAMP
GOALS
- Provide a week of camp that might be the BEST week of your life.
- Provide a team of positive speakers and guests.
- Make lasting relationships
- Be inspired body, soul and spirit.
LODGING
- Campers stay in fully accessible, hotel-style rooms in our beautiful Miracle Lodge.
- Rooms are shared with other campers. Linens and towels are provided.
- Each room has a refrigerator and microwave.
FOOD & BEVERAGES
All meals are provided throughout the week. A salad bar is always available for lunch and dinner. Snacks are provided in the evening. Coffee, tea, milk, juices, and water are provided during meals. Beverages and snacks are available for purchase in our Ironwood Store.
COST
- $525.00 - Wheelchair Participant - Miracle Lodge (room shared with another wheelchair participant)
- $450.00 - PCA / Parent
- $400.00 - Volunteer - Dorms / Cabins
NOTE
Transportation is available from the Rochester airport and bus station; please indicate if transportation is needed. If you are flying into Minneapolis and do not plan to rent a car, we suggest the GROOME transportation shuttle service 507-280-9270.
EXPERIENCE-RICH SCHEDULE
Take a look at a sample event schedule. It is full of engaging activities that will be sure to impact all those involved! CLICK HERE TO ACCESS
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do you want to learn more about camp? We have a FAQ button below that will help you navigate commonly asked questions concerning this wonderful experience!
TESTIMONIAL
"This camp has changed me forever! I've never experienced a more empowering and encouraging place on earth where all are welcome and invited to shine and thrive in their own element. I feel so honored and blessed to have been a part of such a wonderful camp."
NWSC CAMP ARCHIVES
Pictures, Videos, Experience Guide, News Stories
REGISTER TODAY!
REGISTER FOR AN EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME!
We invite you to participate as a camper (or as a volunteer) to attend the National Wheelchair Sports Camp! The experience will make a long-lasting impact on all who participate!
DONATE TO CAMP!
One way to support the camp is through a generous donation! We hope you would consider making a donation to the National Wheelchair Sports Camp. We rely on the donations of many generous donors in order to spread joy and change lives to all who participate. We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, so all gifts are tax deductible. By clicking the button below, you will have the option to make a general donation, or a donation designated for camp. You can sponsor an individual camper to attend who cannot afford the experience, and you can even sponsor event activities. Either way, every dollar will go to make the camp the best ever! If you would rather donate by phone or if you would like to donate through other means such as stock or through IRA distributions, you can call our office at (507)533-4315. You may also email if you have questions.
CAMP CHAMPS
THE VENUE
The peaceful surroundings of Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch inspire guests to relax, recharge and reconnect.
A premier conference and retreat center with scenic views nestled along the banks of the Root River, Ironwood is only 15 minutes from Rochester, MN. Specializing in programs that support youth, military, families impacted by autism, and for individuals with physical and cognitive challenges, Ironwood offers a unique opportunity for guests to connect with each other and God.
The Miracle Lodge was built as an all-accessible, hotel-like facility to host this camp. It is built for YOU! A lot of the campus and activities are also built for accessibility.
- Founder of National Wheelchair Sports Camp
- Co-founder of Operation Welcome Home for military families
- Competed in over 100 wheelchair marathons
- Author of two books: "Marathons of Life" and recently published "15,565 Extra Days and Counting"
- C.O.P.E. Certified Independent Optavia Coach
- 21 time World Record holder
- 9 Time World Champion
- 88' Olympic Bronze Medalist (The Actual Olympics)
- Licensed Massage Therapist
- Father of 2
- Happily Married to Anita
CAMP CHAMPS
Scot Hollenbeck
- Home: Atlanta, Georgia
- # of Years at Camp: 12-15 years - can’t remember!
- Favorite Camp Memory: Playing paintball and getting pelted in the back by Jim Martinson, who had climbed up a tree and waited there for me! Early morning Dawn patrol with other campers, and wheeling through the beautiful Minnesota landscape!
- Words of Wisdom: Do yourself a favor, come check out camp, you’ll laugh so hard your stomach muscles will tighten up!
- Most Valuable Lesson: In witnessing how Bob Bardwell dreams and how he then manifests his dreams and how his perseverance, faith in God and other human beings, and how it creates beautiful things in the world! He has made me want to be a better person in service to others!
Peyton Gunnarson
- Home: Utica, Minnesota
- # of Years at Camp: 11 years
- Favorite Camp Memory: Watching the younger kids become more confident and independent!
- Words of Wisdom: Never give up, don’t stop chasing your dreams no matter the circumstance.
- Most Valuable Lesson: Learning life skills, becoming independent, being able to take care of myself.
Ron Malik
- Home: Tremont, IL
- # of Years at Camp: 9 years, maybe 10!
- Favorite Camp Memory: Seeing younger campers become leaders and rekindling old friendships! Starting a weekly meditation session with a group of friends from camp!
- Words of Wisdom: It’s only by the grace of God that you have what you have, don’t waste it! Find your passion and stick with it!
- Most Valuable Lesson: Trying new things will take you so far in life! Don’t be afraid of new things!
Teresa Valenzuela
- Home: San Diego, California
- # of Years at Camp: 2
- Favorite Camp Memory: The Tony Melendez concert and interacting with other campers at the cookout!
- Words of Wisdom: John 5:8 - “Pick up your mat and walk!” Because I had faith in Craig and I knew he loved me, I took that chance and I invite you to do the same thing!
- Most Valuable Lesson: My confidence skyrocketed and I turned “I can’t” into “I can!” and that’s how I continue to live to this day!
Dave Norman
- Home: Dana Point, California
- # of Years at Camp: 8 years
- Favorite Camp Memory: Watching a quadriplegic camper shoot a bullseye in archery!
- Words of Wisdom: Be open to everything, open your heart to different experiences and really step into the week, get rid of your phone, be present and take it all in!
- Most Valuable Lesson: People are so grateful and express so much gratitude towards volunteers. Giving back brings so much joy and it's incredible!
Sherry Schulz
- Home: Lakewood, Colorado
- # of Years at Camp: 4 years
- Favorite Camp Memory: Meeting a new young camper! He was so enthusiastic and funny and he tried so hard at everything. I just bonded with the little guy!
- Words of Wisdom: You’re never too old to play, keep playing to stay young!
- Most Valuable Lesson: Never underestimate the power of your tribe. You need people around you that are supportive and like minded that will motivate you to carry on!
Annette Stoik
- Home: Bloomer, Wisconsin
- # of Years at Camp: 6 years
- Favorite Camp Memory: My first day at camp and being so nervous, but eventually being encouraged to stay and really enjoying the week!
- Words of Wisdom: Go to camp and have the time of your life! Do your best and have fun!
- Most Valuable Lesson: I’ve learned to be independent and discover new capabilities that I never thought were possible!
Craig Blanchette
- Home: Post falls, Idaho
- # of Years at Camp: About 30 years
- Favorite Camp Memory: Meeting a camper with the same condition I was born with and learning more about it!
- Words of Wisdom: Center your life around the things that matter most to you. Start with what you desire in your heart and start to develop the skills and resources to accomplish them!
- Most Valuable Lesson: How important it is for me to continue to come to camp and give people the chance to experience it! Just go to camp!
