Members of St. Ignatius Council 9729 were honored to volunteer at the 11th Annual Camp Open Arms, held August 17, 2025, at Camp Running Bear in Monkton, Maryland.

Founded by Dr. Joshua Abzug, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon with the University of Maryland Children’s Hospital, Camp Open Arms provides a free summer camp experience for children with upper and lower limb differences. Since its founding in 2015, the camp has helped children build confidence, form friendships, and discover that they are not alone. Dr. Abzug created the camp to address not only the physical challenges these children face, but also the emotional and social challenges that often accompany limb differences.

The theme for this year’s camp was Chinese New Year, and campers were treated to a variety of activities celebrating Chinese culture and traditions. One of the highlights of the week was a colorful Chinese Dragon Parade, where campers marched proudly behind a festive dragon through the campgrounds. The celebration continued with a delicious hibachi lunch, which quickly became a favorite among campers and volunteers alike.

As always, the true magic of Camp Open Arms was not found in the activities alone, but in the friendships formed and the confidence gained by the campers throughout the week.

St. Ignatius Council 9729 is proud to support Camp Open Arms and its mission of creating a place where every child is encouraged, accepted, and celebrated for who they are.