Join CHOP at Camp Rock! 

In July 2025, kids and teens ages 8 to 17 years who have upper limb differences and differences in hand and arm abilities were invited to participate in Camp Rock, a rock-climbing day camp hosted by Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s (CHOP) Orthopedic Center and Center for Rehabilitation. The camp had two sessions, grouped by age: 

• Ages 8-12: July 14-18
• Ages 13-17: July 21-25 

Each one-week camp runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. It provides children and teens with an upper limb difference a chance to learn a new skill while connecting with peers in a fun, supportive environment.  

Campers are supervised by CHOP medical professionals such as occupational therapists, athletic trainers and research coordinators, as well as rock-climbing professionals. There is no cost to attend. Lunch and snacks are provided. 

Who can participate? 

Any congenital upper limb difference, including but not limited to syndactyly, polydactyly, triphalangeal thumb, symbrachydactyly, radial longitudinal deficiency, ulnar longitudinal deficiency, amniotic/constriction band syndrome, macrodactyly, cleft hand, radioulnar synostosis and longitudinal deficiency. 

Campers cannot have difficulties with mobility that require an assistive device, or an intellectual disability. 

Participating in an optional research study 

We invite campers and caregivers to participate in an optional research study to help us understand if camp participation has a positive impact on children and teens with arm and/or hand differences.   

You can opt in or out of this research opportunity at any time. Your child may still attend the camp even if you decide not to participate in the study. If you opt into our research study, you and your child will be asked to:  

• Fill out online surveys before and after the camp
• Campers will complete a brief strength and motion assessment with an occupational therapist on the first and last days of camp  

How to register  

Camp Rock 2025 was a great success and reached full enrollment! Please fill out this non-binding interest form if you would like to be contacted once further information about next year's camp is finalized.

Camp Rock highlights

Interested in learning more about Camp Rock? 

• Watch this CBS News segment featuring our campers!
• Listen to an episode from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Rehab Roundtable podcast where CHOP team members talk about the camp in more detail.