What might one expect to gain from their experience?

More than 40 years after inception, the Youth Rally remains a community for young people to meet others who live with similar medical conditions.  Lasting friendships are formed, in a short 5 nights, in an atmosphere that promotes self-confidence and independence.

In addition to recreational programming, the Youth Rally provides educational sessions addressing topics that are common among all adolescents as well as those unique to individuals living with medical and/or physical challenges:

  • Motivational sessions
  • Living independently - going to college
  • Body image and personal Hygiene
  • Medical diagnosis groups
  • Peer discussion groups
  • Diversion/procedure-specific groups

Do I have to have an ostomy to attend this camp?

No. Our campers and counselors alike live with an array of conditions affecting their bowel and/or bladder systems, some of which include:

  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Neuronal intestinal dysplasia
  • Necrotizing enterocolitis
  • Renal agenesis
  • Short gut/bowel syndrome
  • Hallow visceral myopathy
  • Hirschsprung's disease
  • Cancer
  • Bladder exstrophy
  • Cloacal exstrophy
  • Spina bifida
  • VATER Syndrome
  • Imperforate anus
  • Crohn's Disease
  • Bowel exstrophy
  • Hypospadias
  • Epispadias

Can I still attend the camp if I have never had surgery?

Yes. Just like Youth Rally camper and volunteer diagnoses vary, so do their management techniques. Some campers and volunteers are able to manage their condition(s) without medical/surgical intervention. The following is an example of some of the additional management methods shared by campers and counselors:

  • Koch pouch
  • J-pouch
  • IV medication
  • Continuous tube feeding
  • Ileostomy
  • Colostomy
  • Dialysis
  • Bowel management programs
  • BCIR (Barnett Continent Intestinal Reservoir)
  • Intermittent catheterization
  • Urostomy
  • Ace Malone
  • Pull-thru
  • Mitrofanoff
  • Total parenteral nutrition (TPN)
  • Enemas
  • Indwelling catheter
  • Irrigation

How much does camp cost?

There are two costs associated with Youth Rally Participation:

  1. Registration. Registration cost for all campers is $600 and $250 for our volunteers.  We ask for $100 upfront with all applications to hold your spot, but also to help us with early costs associated with planning such a grand event.  Registration costs cover all room/board, meals, activities, and transportation throughout the week.  The Youth Rally encourages individual fundraising to support both registration and travel costs. Sponsorship is available for ALL campers who need it (there is a page within the application that addresses sponsorship needs/requests)!
  2. Travel.  This refers to the cost it takes to get the participant to our location each year - that varies for everyone!  Again, the Youth Rally encourages individual fundraising and sponsorship is available for ALL campers who need it!

Is sponsorship available?

Yes! SPONSORSHIP is available for ALL CAMPERS in need!

Thanks to the generous efforts of Youth Rally volunteers, donors, and partners, in over 40 years of existence no child has ever been turned away due to lack of financial resources. The sponsorship application form is embedded in the camper application. Simply complete the application and state your need as prompted for registration ($600) and/or travel (variable) assistance. No coupon code required.

Those requesting sponsorship for travel costs should complete their application as soon as possible to avoid costly, last-minute flight arrangements. Those who receive sponsorship for travel costs will be required to book airfare through the Youth Rally travel agent - contact information to be provided with notification of application acceptance.

Note: all applicants are subject to a $100 application fee. This helps the Youth Rally better plan for program and housing purposes.  If for some reason you absolutely cannot afford this payment please contact Emily Mallar.

How do I fundraise on my own?

The Youth Rally encourages all participants to do some fundraising to support sponsorship for themselves or others. Often local/regional clubs and charitable organizations (Kiwanis, Rotary, church groups, Nursing organizations, Hospitals, UOAA affilliates, etc.) are willing to partner to support this type of effort.

Many Youth Rally participants will create Facebook fundraisers, or utilize other online tools. There are many ways to raise funds - creativity is encouraged! Host a dinner, have a yard sale, partner with a local business, or simply ask friends and family for a small donation to support an amazing cause!

How do I sponsor a camper?

There are two ways to sponsor a camper and/or volunteer:

  1. SEND A CHECK Please indicate in a memo if you intend to sponsor a specific camper, volunteer, or program activity. Checks should be made out to the "Youth Rally Committee, Inc." and mailed to:

    Youth Rally Committee, Inc

    C/O Mary Beth Akers

    949 Chestnut Oak Dr

    St. Charles, MO 63303

  2. DONATE USING YOUR CREDIT CARD OR BANK ACCOUNT Credit Card and Babk Account donations can be made via the link below. If sponsoring a child or volunteer, please add a donation note/comment and indicate the person.
    DONATE

Where do I send a check?

Please indicate in a memo if you intend to sponsor a specific camper, volunteer, or program activity. Checks should be made out to the "Youth Rally Committee, Inc." and mailed to:

Youth Rally Committee, Inc

C/O Mary Beth Akers

949 Chestnut Oak Dr

St. Charles, MO 63303