Hands to Love Celebrates 26 Years of Empowerment at Annual “Hand Camp” in Starke, FL

April 22, 2026
unnamed (18)

Hands to Love (H2L), a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting children with upper limb differences, celebrated its 26th Annual Hand Camp, Which took place from April 10–12, 2026. Held at the Keystone Camp and Conference Center in Starke, Florida, this milestone event brought together families from across the United States for a transformative weekend designed to prove that difference does not equal disability.

A Lifelong Community of Support

Hand Camp serves as the flagship program for Hands to Love, welcoming campers ranging from birth to 18 years old. The volunteer staff includes adults with upper-limb differences, many of whom are Hand Camp alumni returning to mentor the next generation. These mentors provide living proof to younger campers that their goals—whether in sports, academics, or professional life—are entirely within reach.

Empowerment Through Activity and Connection

Throughout the weekend, campers engaged in a variety of inclusive, high-energy activities tailored to their unique abilities, including:

  • Adventure: Archery and rope climbing courses.
  • Innovation: STEM workshops and creative arts.
  • Outdoors: Fishing, water activities, and team sports.

While the children were at play, specialized parent programming provides a vital space for caregivers. These sessions allowed parents to network and discuss the unique complexities of raising a child with an upper limb difference, from navigating medical decisions to advocating their children in school and beyond.

Clinical Excellence and Technical Innovation

Additionally, campers are connected to the GRiP (Generational Relief in Prosthetics) student organization from UF and FSU/FAMU. This collaboration provides children with custom, 3D-printed adaptive equipment, enabling them to tackle daily tasks and camp activities with newfound independence.

The Path to Expansion: The Amazing Give

To ensure more children have access to this life-changing community, Hands to Love will participate in The Amazing Give on April 30th. This community fundraiser, sponsored by the Gainesville Junior League, is critical to the organization’s goal of growing Hand Camp into multiple sessions to reach more families currently on their waiting list.

About Hands to Love

Hands to Love is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to empower children with upper limb differences. Through programs like Hand Camp, H2L fosters a world where difference does not equal disability.

For more information about Hand Camp or to support the mission during The Amazing Give, please visit www.handstolove.org. 

Technology. Finance. Real estate. The startup scene. As Gainesville’s business dynamics booms, local leaders and entrepreneurs are looking to the Business Report for news and advice. The Business Report is a print and online publication that strives to produce timely editorial content relevant to our business-oriented audience and follows the historic rules of journalism.


Website Accessibility: Liquid Creative Studio is committed to ensuring that its website is accessible to everyone, regardless of abilities. Assistive technology can be launched by tapping the person icon in the lower corner of your screen and can be adjusted to accommodate a variety of needs. If you are still experiencing difficulty accessing information on this site, please contact [email protected] to gain access to inaccessible online content or functionality. To file a formal grievance under Section 504 and Title II, please contact Liquid Creative at [email protected].