The Hearts of Camp No Limits

Kate Smith’s family is amazing, inspiring, fun and fantastic! Kate, 16 years old, the third child in a family of 6, was born without a left arm. She has two older, adoring brothers. They took it as their mission to make sure Kate was involved in their activities. To them, limb difference made no difference. As Kate was taught by them, “I can do everything just as good as everyone else” – a not-so-subtle shout-out to her big brothers. Those same brothers played baseball, inspiring Kate to become an accomplished softball player – playing without a prosthetic arm!

When Kate was young, her family grew rapidly from 3 kids to 6 kids, as her amazing parents adopted 2 boys and a little girl!  All three new family members had limb differences. Kate then became the adoring big sister whose mission was to teach her younger siblings that limb difference makes no difference. It worked!

When Kate was four, she and her entire family began attending Camp No Limits Camps.  When the Smith Family shows up to Camp, a lot of great things happen. Not only does the entire family participate in Occupational and Physical Therapy for kids with limb differences, but they also counsel and mentor others. From support groups on limb difference, support groups on adoption, and even dance groups – this family is INVOLVED!  They have brought this joy and positivity to camps in Maine, Florida, and Maryland.  Now that Kate is a teenager, she participates in Teen Camps, as well.

The Smiths are well-known in the Camp No Limits community, not just for their attitude, nor just for their work supporting kids with disabilities…they are loved because of their humbleness while doing it.  The people they support at CNL and the people who help support them have become lifelong friends. For them, helping others together is just a part of what makes them an amazing, fun and fantastic family.  To those who know them – they are inspiring, too!

Post written by Bill Potts