On Saturday, October 3rd, the Idaho Outdoor Fieldhouse buzzed with energy as 16 youth athletes with physical disabilities gathered for a morning of boccia, swimming, and connection. The CAF-Idaho Kids Camp: Swimming & Boccia gave athletes ages 4 to 18 the chance to try something new, build confidence in the water, and discover a Paralympic sport that many had never played before.
The camp ran from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Idaho Outdoor Fieldhouse in Boise. Afterward, families stuck around to join the Idaho Spina Bifida Association’s 11-Year Anniversary Celebration, turning the day into an extended community gathering.
Athletes rotated through three stations designed to meet them exactly where they were, whether that meant trying a new sport for the first time or working on skills they’d been developing for years.
One-on-one swim instruction gave each athlete individualized attention tailored to their comfort level and personal goals. For two participants, this was their very first swim lesson.
Introductory boccia sessions introduced many athletes to the sport for the first time. Boccia is an indoor Paralympic sport that uses soft leather balls, with players rolling, kicking, or using a ramp to get their ball as close as possible to a target ball called the jack. It combines strategy and precision, and while the name sounds similar to the lawn game bocce, boccia is specifically designed for athletes with physical disabilities and played indoors on a smooth court.
A therapy dog and activity station featuring Go Team Idaho Therapy Dogs gave families a relaxed space to connect with each other between rotations. This station quickly became a favorite stop for athletes and parents alike.
One of the most meaningful moments of the day came from the boccia ramps themselves. Aaron Knight, who works at the Idaho Outdoor Fieldhouse, built two boccia ramps using a design guide from USA Boccia. These ramps allowed athletes who use them to play the game completely on their own, without needing someone else to release the ball for them.
A parent shared what this meant for her family:
“Because of the accessibility of the boccia ball ramps, two athletes were able to participate in a sport, completely independently, for the first time ever. Watching their joy and confidence shine was so impactful. Thank you, CAF-Idaho for such a fun and inclusive kids camp!”
That kind of independence is exactly what CAF-Idaho programs aim to create. Access to the right equipment, like a well-designed ramp, can be the difference between watching from the sidelines and playing the game yourself.
Several athletes left the camp with new goals for themselves. One participant enjoyed boccia so much that she expressed interest in continuing the sport on her own, with hopes of eventually helping start a boccia club or league in the Boise area.
That kind of enthusiasm reflects what these camps are designed to spark. A single morning of play can turn into a long-term interest in a sport, a community, or a new way to stay active.
None of this happens without dedicated coaches and volunteers who show up ready to teach and support.
Swim Coaches: Becki Walters, Phil Fritz, Natalie Chandler, and Taylor Stukey
Boccia Coach: Steve Baxter
Volunteers & Partners:
As the camp wrapped up, the day transitioned into the Idaho Spina Bifida Association’s 11-Year Anniversary Celebration. Families stayed to enjoy games, connect with local vendors and community resources, and take part in a Walk & Roll lap featuring educational signage about spina bifida.
The pairing of these two events gave families even more reason to linger, swap stories, and build relationships that extend beyond a single camp day.
CAF-Idaho’s Kids Camps continue to create spaces where young athletes with physical disabilities can try new sports, build confidence, and connect with a supportive community. Events like this one are made possible through coaches, volunteers, and donors who believe every young athlete deserves the chance to play.
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