Learning Independence At Camp T.B.I.

Learning Independence At Camp T.B.I. (Added: July 22, 2009)

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For kids who face challenges from traumatic brain injuries every day, it's a chance for them to let their hair down and just be a kid in the summer. Camp TBI (To Be Independent/Traumatic Brain Injury) is possible through Walton Foundation and other sponsors. WJBF News Channel 6 reporter Paige Tucker and photojournalist Troy Robinson give us a look inside.

By WJBF Staff
Published: July 22, 2009

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Augusta, GA -- Lizzy Huskey is looking up and knows she's got a long way to go. But she's also got a lot of people cheering her on at Camp TBI.

"Camp TBI stands for camp To Be Independent. So normally, the TBI is Traumatic Brain Injury, but this week it's To Be Independent," says Leslie Glass, Vice-President of Walton Foundation.

There are dozens of kids like Lizzy at Camp Twin Lakes in Rutledge, Georgia, this week. "They all have traumatic brain injuries, so they all have cognitive impairments. But many of them can get around just fine and walk and feed themselves. But many of them can't do any of that, and they need help 24 hours a day," says Glass.

Tyler from Thomson likes camp, because you get to stay in cabins, eat free meals, and learn a lot. "I've been to archery which is shooting bows and arrows, which is very fun. And I've been fishing. But I didn't catch nothing, 'cuz those fish are sneaky!"

For Tyler Shelton, camp is also challenging, and "I like new challenges," he says.

The spirit is alive at Camb TBI, and leaders say they take away just as much as the campers. "We learn a lot from the kids. We learn how to take care of them, what they want, what they need, what they feel happy with, because we always give them choices," says Dami Aina, an Occupational Therapy student at MCG who is volunteering this week.

"I say over and over again, if I can get people up here to camp just one time, they'll never forget it," says Glass.

One time? Lizzy's here for her ninth summer. Nearly a decade of reaching new heights at Camp TBI.

If you or someone you know has a child with a traumatic brain injury and would like them to go to this camp, visit WRH.org. Registration is in November.