Patient Programs

Our Care Extends Beyond Our Walls

At Shriners Children's St. Louis, our team is committed to caring for the total health and well-being of our patients. This includes their minds as well as their bodies. In that spirit, we offer a wide variety of programs and camps.

Our extensive patient programs give your child the opportunity to participate in enjoyable activities to brighten their stay and camps that can help them return to their communities more active and confident.

Shriners Children's partners with a number of community organizations to provide opportunities for your child to explore and grow their overall potential inside and outside of the hospital. Your nurse or care coordinator can direct you to the best opportunities for your child and family.

Please note: Due to COVID-19, some camps and programs have been delayed or changed. Your care manager can give you the latest information.

Camps

Hand Camp

Hand Camp, one of only a few of its kind in the nation, is a weekend retreat for children ages 6 to 12 with hand or upper limb differences, as well as their families. It's a time for children and their families to meet others facing the same challenges and enjoy a traditional summer camp experience.

Camp participants will be able to go horseback riding and try archery, rock wall climbing and fishing, as well as take part in team-building games while learning from older patients who are junior counselors. Camp also offers special group meetings for parents and siblings for support, learning and sharing.

Hand Camp is complimentary for patients and their families from Shriners Children's St. Louis. To learn more, contact the occupational therapy department at 314-872-8342, ext. 1138.

Programs

Disabled Athlete Sports Association (DASA)

Disabled Athlete Sports Association (DASA) is a nonprofit organization that serves the greater St. Louis region by providing quality and affordable adaptive sports and fitness opportunities.

DASA programs include archery, functional fitness, sled hockey, swimming lessons, track and field, power soccer, snow skiing and much more. Recreational programs are offered in eight-week sessions varying by season. Competitive programs allow athletes to compete regionally and nationally with the potential of reaching the Paralympic level. DASA boasts national championships in sled hockey and power soccer, and is proud to include members and medalists on the U.S. Paralympic Team.

Therapists and care management professionals at Shriners Children's can help you get your child involved with DASA.

NubAbility Athletics

NubAbility Athletics Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping limb-different children get off the bench and into the game. Their team of high school, collegiate and professional athletes teach children to not only play, but to play the best with less – and win.

During the three days of camp, participants aged 4 to 18 learn everything from the basics of their sports to workouts and drills to help them continually improve.

NubAbility also hosts individual sports clinics and a P.E. Teach Reach Program that provides an opportunity for schools to deliver an anti-bullying message to their students.

Patient Ambassador Program

Current and former patients come together in our Patient Ambassador Program as champions for Shriners Children's. Not only do they serve as positive role models in their community but they also donate their time and energy to promoting our hospital and healthcare system, as well as the Shriners International fraternity. For more information on becoming a Patient Ambassador, call 314-692-6413.

Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis

Shriners Children's St. Louis has a partnership with the Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis, which assists individuals with disabilities and provides opportunities for them to have fun, be active and socialize. The council serves families who live in the city of St. Louis, or the counties of St. Louis and St. Charles.

Therapeutic Recreation and Child Life

Therapeutic recreation and child life specialists come together in the Central Activity Area to facilitate structured and unstructured play each day. To learn more, read about our Therapeutic Recreation & Child Life programs.

Pet Therapy

Dogs, cats and rabbits registered as Shriners Children’s pet therapy volunteers provide comfort and affection. Contact Volunteer Services to see if there are furry friends in the lobby of our hospital today ready to pay a visit. Learn more about our Pet Therapy Program.

Spirit of Children

In October, Spirit of Children hosts fun activities and brings costumes, accessories, decorations and goody bags for patients as part of an effort to make their stay with us less scary.

Shriners Children's St. Louis offers a wide variety of programs and services that cater to the overall health and well-being of our patients and their families. View all patient programs and services offered by Shriners Children's.