Frequently Asked Questions

Parasports such as wheelchair basketball or sitting volleyball adapt the sport to the limb-different athlete. The NubAbility approach is different. We provide adaptive tools and techniques so that the limb-different child can play mainstream, organized sports on their school or community team. Our goal is to get every child off of the bench and into the game.

At our camps, we don’t accept the word “can’t.” Too often in the outside world limb-different children encounter adults who automatically believe they are incapable of playing a sport because of their difference. Our coaches know better. They are themselves limb-different athletes who have played at a high level. While our campers might do things differently, they CAN do them. Our coaches have the expertise to show them how.

We strive for excellence. Youth athletes who participate in our programs develop the skills to play against all competitors – whether physically different or able-bodied – and win.

At NubAbility, we believe that sports build character. When a child overcomes obstacles to achieve their goals on the playing field, they carry the knowledge of what they are capable of into other areas of their life. Time and again, we see limb-different children grow in courage and confidence at camp.

NubAbility camps equip limb-different children to play mainstream organized sports. Each of our camps offers one or more sports, with days organized around traditional practice drills adapted to each child. The camper chooses the sport they wish to focus on. They are further divided into age groups for age-appropriate instruction. Detailed schedules are sent out a week before each camp.

A key differentiator of NubAbility camps is our staff. Our volunteer coaching team is made up of accomplished limb-different athletes rather than the physical or occupational therapists found at other camps. Because our coaches have the same lived experiences as the children attending our camps, they are uniquely qualified to serve as mentors and role models.

NubAbility provides instruction in the following sports:

• Archery
• BaseballBasketball
• Conditioning
• Dance
• FishingFootball
• Golf
• Grappling
• Hunting
• Lacrosse
• Shooting (competitive)
• Skiing & Sit-skiing
• Snowboarding
• Soccer
• Softball
• Swimming
• Tennis
• Track & Field
• Tumble/Cheer
• Volleyball
• Wakeboarding/Water sports

Use the filter on our camp schedule page to see when and where each sport is offered.

NubAbility takes pride in operating camps across the United States. Visit our camp schedule page for an overview of current season locations, then click on the individual camp page for detailed information.

NubAbility was established in 2011 and offered our first camp in 2012. Since that time, we have served more than 2,000 children at more than 70 camps in 16 states.

Limb-different children from 49 states and 11 foreign countries have attended a NubAbility camp.

We work with children with congenital, traumatic or medical limb difference or limb loss, frozen limb or highly mobile cerebral palsy. Please be aware that we coach adaptive techniques for mainstream sports rather than parasports. As a result, some level of mobility without a wheelchair is required to fully participate in one of our camps. Use of crutches is not prohibited.

Children must be between the ages of four to seventeen for most camps. One adult must register and remain onsite with families who have a participating child under the age of ten.

For camps that involve the use of firearms, we require that children be nine or older. One parent must attend these camps with their child regardless of the child’s age.

No! Whether your child is participating in a sport for the first time or is highly experienced, there is a place for them at camp. In fact, we encourage our campers to try new sports under the guidance of our limb-different coaches. Unlike well-meaning school or community coaches–who may not know how to instruct a limb-different child or even believe they belong in the game–we know your child CAN play and we will show them how. Our limb-different coaches demonstrate that we might do it differently but we can do it.

They will still benefit from coming to a NubAbility camp. Our coaches are exceptional athletes–most have played at the college level or above–and they have the knowledge and expertise to improve your child’s game. In fact, # NubAbility campers have gone on to play a college sport. We believe that is a testament to the quality of coaching we can provide.

We know siblings are our limb-different youth athletes’ best practice partners at home so we permit sibling participation at camps when possible. Visit our individual camp pages for details. These children are coached in the same program sessions as their limb-different peers; however, they may choose different sports and be scheduled with different age groups from their siblings.

Participating siblings are billed at the full registration fee for each camp. They are not eligible for scholarships.

Non-participating siblings are permitted at most camps provided they stay on the sidelines with their parents. See individual camp pages for details.

There is no charge for non-participating siblings; however, like all attending family members they must be registered using our camp registration software.

One of the best things that happens at camp is the connections our families make with each other. We encourage the parents of campers of all ages to come to camp. Please note that for families who have a child onsite under the age of ten, one parent or guardian is required to attend.

We ask that parents remain on the sidelines during instruction. You are welcome to use bleachers, other available seating at the camp facility or you may bring your own lawn chairs!

There is a small registration fee for attending parents and/or guardians. This fee covers expenses associated with your attendance, including insurance and any meals provided for the group.

Children ages ten and above can attend camp unaccompanied provided there are no firearms in use. Children below the age of ten, as well as all children attending camps with firearms, must have an adult or legal guardian with them at all times.

Every member of our camper families who will be physically present at camp must be registered using our camp registration software. This includes parents, grandparents and other adults, limb-different campers, and their participating and non-participating siblings, including infants.

Please note: If a camper family includes participating children under the age of ten, a minimum of one adult must register and remain onsite.

NubAbility uses third party software called Active Works to manage camp registrations. Follow the link from the master camp schedule page or individual camp pages to the specific form for the camp you wish to attend.

The first time you use Active, you will set up a personal account using an email address and password. Please save your account information! You can use your Active account to make modifications to existing registrations, to apply for scholarships and to sign up for additional camps.

Go to https://passport.active.com. Click on the “Forgot your password link?” below the password box. Fill in your account email and a link to reset your password will be sent to you.

You will receive a confirmation email after you complete your registration that includes the people you have registered, an overview of the camp schedule and information on the discounted hotel room block for that camp. If you do not receive a confirmation email within 24 hours, please call (618 357 1394) or email (info@NubAbility.org) the NubAbility offices.

Call the NubAbility offices at 618 357 1394 and your child’s registration can be completed over the phone.

We will accept registrations up to one week prior to a camp’s start date. However, we recommend registering much earlier in order to save money on your hotel. For each camp we negotiate a discounted room block rate. The deadline for booking reservations under that discount is determined by the individual hotel and is generally between 30 days and six weeks out.

We prefer that you submit your scholarship application before registering for a camp. Upon approval, you will receive a scholarship code that needs to be entered during registration.

We can make modifications to camp registrations after they are submitted. If you do not have a scholarship code, you will have to make a deposit payment when you submit your camp registration form. To get your deposit refunded after you receive confirmation that your scholarship has been granted, call (618 357 1394) or email (info@NubAbility.org) the NubAbility offices.

Registration fees vary depending upon the camp’s number of days. See individual camp pages for details.

Scholarships to cover camp registration fees are always granted upon request. We will never turn a limb-different child away due to inability to pay.

Fees cover coaching, equipment and facility costs. At some camps, a limited number of meals may also be provided. See individual camp pages for more details.

All NubAbility camps are day camps. Families are responsible for booking and paying for their lodging and travel.

We will issue a full refund provided that the camper family notifies us of their cancellation at least 24 hours prior to the camp’s start date. We do not give partial refunds if part of a camp is missed.

Yes. An installment payment plan is available: 25% deposit upon registration and two additional payments spread 30 days apart.

Yes. However, you must still register your child online using Active. Call (618 357 1394) or email (info@NubAbility.org) the NubAbility offices for a coupon code that will make it possible for you to check out online without payment, then mail your check to:

NubAbility Athletics Foundation
221 East Main Street
Du Quoin, IL 62832

Watch for our new season announcement each December. For 30 days following the season launch, we offer a 10% early bird discount on camp registrations to all applicants.

Families needing financial assistance are encouraged to apply for scholarships to cover camp registration fees. These scholarships are available throughout the year and are always granted upon request.

Additional types of scholarships are offered when funding is available. See our scholarships page (link to scholarship page) for the latest information on scholarship opportunities, including travel scholarships, scholarships for new campers, and more.

No. We negotiate one or more discounted hotel room blocks for each camp; however, camper families are responsible for making and paying for their own reservations. Camper families are not required to stay in the same hotel as the NubAbility group.

Detailed information on discounted hotel rates and booking procedures are included in the confirmation email sent after we receive your registration for a given camp.

Some meals are included at camp. Water and sports drinks are always available. See individual camp pages for details.

We provide a shirt for each day of camp, all necessary equipment for each sport, any required safety equipment such as safety eyewear or earwear, and a basic first aid kit. You should pack athletic bottoms, sport-appropriate athletic shoes, personal sports equipment such as baseball gloves and sunscreen.

Additional camp-specific packing recommendations and a detailed camp schedule are emailed to participants a week prior to each camp.

All NubAbility employees, coaches and interns must pass regular third party background checks.

NubAbility has a zero tolerance policy for any form of harassment, abuse or discrimination, whether against a youth athlete, coach, employee, intern or volunteer. All coaches, employees and interns receive extensive training regarding this policy and must successfully pass an annual test.

All coaches, employees and interns are required to immediately report any suspected incidents of harassment, abuse or discrimination immediately to a NubAbility staff or board member. Any person found to be in violation of this policy is immediately and permanently removed from their position, volunteer or otherwise.

All NubAbility camps have an onsite medic and a limited first aid kit for minor issues. In addition, coaches are trained each year in CPR. Staff will assist in locating local urgent care clinics or hospitals as needed.

All persons present at camp must pass a self-administered COVID wellness check. Persons who do not pass the wellness check will not be permitted onsite and their camp registration fees will be fully refunded.

All coaches at camps where firearms are in use are range safety certified.

All NubAbility coaches are limb-different and have played the sport they are coaching at a high school varsity level or above. Most have played at the college level and some are professional or Paralympic athletes. Our recruitment process includes a comprehensive application, background check, one-on-one interview and personal and athletic references. Our focus is on identifying individuals with proven athletic and interpersonal skills as well as exceptional character.

We do not require our coaches to have physical or occupational therapy training. We view the instruction we provide as complementary to professional therapy.

Our coaches are available year-round to provide advice or support. See our coach directory for social media and email contact information.

Make an online donation using this form.

Or, show your Nub pride and help our cause by buying merch from our Nubshop.

Yes. NubAbility Athletics Foundation is a 510(c)3 nonprofit, federal EIN 45-3724053. All donations are tax-deductible for the donation amount less than the value of any goods or services received.

Annual donation receipts are automatically mailed each January to all donors who have given $500 or more during the previous calendar year.

We are happy to provide donation receipts at any time upon request. Call (618 357 1394) or email (info@NubAbility.org) the NubAbility offices for assistance.

Sign up for the NubAbility mailing list to receive approximately 16 emails per year covering our latest happenings. Mailing list information is never shared.

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We have a private Facebook group for parents. Check your camp registration email for the link, then answer the questions in order to be admitted.

Call (618 357 1394) or email (info@NubAbility.org) the NubAbility offices for assistance. We are happy to help!