“One of the first things you’ll notice about me visually is that I’m in a wheelchair and have cerebral palsy. Then you’ll get to know me as a person, and you’ll see how little CP defines who I am. Over the years, I’ve learned not only to live with my disability, but to thrive, and I want to ensure that others have the same opportunity.”
Complications at birth left Stephen with severe cerebral palsy and full use of just one limb – his right arm. Born on August 22, 1968 to Dr. Joseph and Gayle Wampler, he is the oldest of 5 children and graduated from the University of California at Davis with a degree in Environmental Engineering.
Steve met the love of his life, Elizabeth, in Coronado, California. Said Elizabeth: “When I met him, at first I thought, I bet he’s having a really hard life. He broke my heart. I thought people were probably mean to him, I thought he was sad every day, I thought he was alone every day – and I quickly learned that nothing could be further from the truth.”
They married and are the parents of two children, Charlotte and Joseph.
Love of Wilderness Started at Camp
Wampler’s desire for adventure began when he was a young boy. His parents put him in summer camp when he was nine.
“Going to camp as a kid opened so many doors for me, and that’s when I experienced the real adventure of nature.”
Wampler attended the camp for nine summers. He said that he has carried the confidence that the camp gave him all of his life.
Camp WAMP
In 2002, The Stephen J. Wampler Foundation was founded by Stephen and Elizabeth. It’s a non-profit providing free outdoor education programs for children with physical limitations. When Wampler found out that his beloved childhood camp had closed, he took action. Elizabeth and Stephen formed Camp WAMP in 2004.
Camp WAMP has been providing life-changing outdoor education opportunities for disabled kids. The age range is 10-18 for kids with physical disabilities or limitations.
WAMP stands for Wheelchair Adventure Mountain Programs. The children who attend Camp WAMP, enjoy a sleep-away week of camping under the stars. Outdoor activities include fishing, canoeing, singing around the campfire, hiking, making new friends, and participating in “survival challenges”.
The Wampler Foundation’s belief is that nature teaches everyone that challenges can be overcome if we look beyond our own physical limitations in life.
“Being part of a team is part of enjoying the fantastic fun and adventures that the wilderness of the High Sierras offer. Nature is our living classroom and the more kids are exposed to it in life the more they appreciate the natural environment. One of the main teachings during their week is the “leave no trace” motto and how nature is affected by humans.”
Disabled children often want to experience the great outdoors like their able-bodied peers. Through foundation funding from grants, private donations and corporations, Camp WAMP provides an experience equal to that of their able-bodied peers. The Wampler Foundation introduces the outdoors of the High Sierras to a population that is otherwise left out. The outdoor education that is provided is partly based on the Boy Scouts, wilderness survival courses and the Sierra Club’s conservation of nature.
The Camp is opening a new facility where they will welcome groups throughout the world. Kids with disabilities will be able to experience the great outdoors with access to the 8 acre lake and 122 acres of remote, rugged wilderness. All kids will be able to fish, swim, sing songs, sleep under the stars and learn about their natural surroundings while in a safe, nurturing environment.
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