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What was once a revolutionary, new program for young adults with inhibitors, Leverage has become the pinnacle of inhibitor camps.

This 5-day adventure delivers heart-pounding excitement that puts your inner strength to the test!  Find out what you’re made of, and develop new skills that can help you become who you want to be.

If you have always felt restricted by inhibitors and want to prove to yourself that you are beyond your limitations, this is your chance.

*Participants are always at freewill to simply watch and observe any activity that may be out of their comfort zone, but Leverage is all about overcoming obstacles in unique ways. Rest assured, the staff is always equipped with safety gear and accommodations so that participants can "leverage" themselves to achieve new goals.

In collaboration with:

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PLATINUM SPONSOR

 

Friend Sponsor

DrugCo Health

 

2023 Registration

Scheduled: Ended

Sept. 10-14, 2023 (Sun-Thurs)

Camp Collins
Gresham, OR

Registration: Closed

Applicants must register for screening purposes. Acceptance to attend will be determined by CHES as there are many variables to consider. Preference will be given to first-time attendees.

Reminders

We can send you reminders when new information is released, such as dates, locations, and the start of open registration.

*If you’ve completed the notification sign-up form in the past, it is not necessary to fill it out again. If your information has changed, please complete this form once again.

For questions on who can attend and more:
View the Frequently Asked Questions at the bottom  -  Email us at info@ches.education  -  Call (781) 878-8561

 

Program Summary

The Leverage program is a pioneering national program for young adults from ages 18 and up that have hemophilia with an inhibitor.

The program will consist of truly life changing experiences that will allow participants to visit awe inspiring places and challenge themselves in ways they never have before through a series of outdoor adventure experiential education activities.

The unique aspect of this program is that it will be designed to allow individuals to participate in a full schedule of specially designed adventure based activities for people with the mobility, joint, muscle, and bleeding challenges that one faces day to day with an inhibitor.  The program will be high in perceived-risk, to challenge participants with risk-reducing measures in place to allow individuals with inhibitors to participate fully and gain the most benefit from the experiences.

Affected young adults from around the country will live and learn in this intensive program to gain expertise in how to more effectively live the life that they want to with the quality that they deserve.  Pulling from over a decade of experience in the bleeding disorder camping and adventure education fields, GutMonkey will deliver a fun, interactive, and challenging training for the young adults from around the US.

The critical addition to these experiences is the reflection, discussion, training, and planning for the future that is woven into all of the program components.

 

YMCA Camp Collins

  • Located just outside of Portland, OR, directly on the tranquil Sandy River and a 1,000 acre natural park

  • Less than an hour away from the Oregon Regional Hemophilia Center at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU)

  • Offers an incredible temperate rain forest as the year round usable setting that includes both a village of tree house style cabins and a village of cabins that were designed after a hobbit community (yet are all wheelchair accessible and have new, comfortable, and up to date facilities)

  • Ropes course is one of the most interesting and comprehensive in the country, and most of its elements are built in the canopy of the ancient trees

  • Run under diligent standards and is an American Camp Association accredited camp facility and program

FAQ

Who can attend?
Adults ages 18+ living with an active inhibitor that have not successfully tolerized are encouraged to attend. Because inhibitors have been known to return after just weeks, months, or years after tolerization, those who have had a successful immune tolerance experience within the past 5 years or less will also be welcomed to attend.  Those who have tolerized more than three years ago will be welcomed, as space allows.  U.S. residents only.  Guests are not permitted.

My inhibitor has been tolerized. Why can’t I attend?
Leverage is designed to create an adapted environment for those with inhibitors, while providing a place to connect with others with similar challenges.  GutMonkey provides other similar programs for those without an inhibitor.  We encourage you to check them out!

How often can I attend?
Annually, so long as you meet the criteria to attend.

Where will I sleep?
Cabins will be provided to share, with bunk beds for all.  If you have a special sleeping need, please let us know. Other arrangements can be made, such as a wheeled-in cot.  Bed linens, pillows and towels will be provided.

Will the location be accessible to wheelchairs and other mobility devices?
Ramps are conveniently placed throughout the camp, but the majority of the trails are bedded with mulch.  Depending on the type of assistive device and the size of it’s wheels, mobility may be challenging.

To alleviate this obstacle, small transporting vehicles, such as golf carts, will be in place to move group members between meeting points.

Will there be medical coverage?
Camp Collins is located less than an hour away from the Oregon Regional Hemophilia Center at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU).  A hemophilia specialized medical professional will be onsite to assist in medical needs. They are capable of responding to many medical emergencies and providing support to participants with any needs while onsite.

How much does it cost to attend?
There are no costs associated with attending once the trip is completed. At this time, as we believe COVID hardships to still be in place, deposits have been waived. We will notify participants if this is re-instated. Because of numerous, last-minute cancellations, we will be enforcing fully refundable deposits for those who attend the program. Deposits will be set at $50/person.  Travel related expenses including tolls, mileage and parking will still be reimbursed. Air transportation will be arranged for you.  All meals will be provided on site. Learn more on our policies and guidelines page.

What should I bring?
Your factor and supplies, as there will NOT be any on site.  Also bring your enthusiasm and willingness to reach out so we can learn from each other!

What about patient confidentiality?
Information that you share or hear will be treated with the utmost respect and never disclosed without your permission.  We want participants to feel comfortable so that we may support one another.