A Camp for Children With Brain Injuries Zips Ahead, Despite Federal Uncertainty

In an open field in Millville, Pennsylvania, campers and counselors at Camp Cranium cheered as arrows whizzed through the humid air. Drew Meyer, the operations director, watched with tears in his eyes, marveling at the progress of the campers who have all survived brain injuries. Ranging in age from 10 to 21, these young individuals have faced severe injuries that require them to relearn basic skills like talking and tying shoelaces.

Despite their challenges, they engage in activities such as rock climbing, swimming, and ziplining through the lush forest. The existence of Camp Cranium and similar facilities is a response to the growing trend of children surviving brain injuries, which has increased since the 1980s due to safety measures like seat belt laws and increased federal investment in research and trauma centers.

However, the future of brain injury prevention and research is uncertain as Congress failed to renew a law for further research and prevention of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and the Trump administration dismissed hundreds of employees at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including the team tracking TBIs. Lucas Hardy, a 14-year-old camper, climbed a 30-foot rock wall with the help of a hoist, demonstrating remarkable strength.

Despite the challenges, the camp provides a much-needed community for these children and their families, combating social isolation. Funding for TBI programs remains in flux, with $8.25 million allocated through the 2026 Consolidated Appropriations Act, but the future of these initiatives remains uncertain.