Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp is more than just a getaway — it’s an experience that brings hope, companionship, and renewal to those who attend.
Each year, the weekend event offers life-changing activities and fellowship for stroke survivors and their caregivers in the heart of Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania.
Stacey Mlodzianowski, an occupational therapist at UPMC specializing in stroke recovery, was instrumental in bringing the program to the Pittsburgh area in 2015 — after volunteering at a stroke camp in New Jersey for several years.
Stacey was determined to bring the camp to Pennsylvania. With the help of her colleagues and a grant from the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute and the UPMC Stroke Institute, that dream was realized.
The camp quickly became a highly anticipated event by attendees and volunteers alike.
Finding Joy In Recovery
Illinois-based nonprofit United Stroke Alliance has organized more than 300 camps since its inception in 2004, including the one in Slippery Rock supported by local volunteers.
The weekend getaways are designed to address the specific needs of stroke survivors and their caregivers.
Camps often offer educational and therapy sessions, good food, helpful stroke resources, pampering, games, crafts, music, and live entertainment, as well as outdoor activities like hiking, walking, rock climbing, fishing, and swimming.
Stroke survivors return to environments where they once felt capable, independent, and optimistic – a reprieve from their sometimes-exhausting recovery journeys.
Survivors can do the things they once enjoyed in a safe, welcoming atmosphere. Adaptations are made to help everyone participate in activities.
“We have a music therapist on site, drum circles, and that’s pretty amazing if someone has had a stroke and maybe the left side of their body might not work as well as their right. They’re able to still create music and find enjoyment in that,” says Stacey.
The American Stroke Association says these indoor and outdoor activities can help speed recovery after a stroke.
“It’s so rewarding to be able to see them laugh, smile, and socialize,” Stacey continues. “But also the ins and outs of the weekend. We have a rock wall available, and seeing someone who has had a stroke be able to climb a rock wall when maybe they might not have been able to climb a rock wall before their stroke. Little things like that are absolutely incredible.”
Life-Changing Support At Stroke Camp
Perhaps the most valuable aspect of the camp is the sense of community it fosters, Stacey says.
During self-guided discussions, stroke survivors and caregivers can share challenges, struggles, successes, and advice with one another.
Caregivers often are deeply affected by their loved one’s stroke but may feel isolated.
At the camp, survivors and caregivers build a network of support and encouragement that extends beyond the weekend through social media, support groups, and personal communication.
Whether it’s making music or fishing on the Ohio River, the weekend is filled with rest, recreation, and camaraderie.
“It’s a family that’s built during the weekend,” Stacey says. “It’s life-changing for me as an occupational therapist, and it’s personally very rewarding to be there, but definitely for survivors and caregivers. Some people look forward to this each year.
“Sometimes this gives people enough pep in their step to be able to get through the next week, month, or year,” Stacey continues. “It is life-changing to have the support they find at stroke camp.”
To learn more about Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp, visit www.strokecamp.org or call 309-688-5450.