This year marks the 20th anniversary of the final summer at Camp Handjobbi, the first summer camp in Montana exclusively for teens with disabilities. The small forest campus was not only a place for board games, fishing and s’mores, but for many teens it was the first place they got to experience independence, freedom and a loving, inclusive community.
The Squeaky Wheel sat down with some former campers to ask about their favorite summer camp memories.
Jackson (Camp Karaoke Champion 1974-1977, 1989)
“Camp Handjobbi was everything to me. The costume contest, the prank wars, the friendships. I’ll never forget it, especially those late nights with Rebecca, and those nights with Counselor Taryn, and that one early morning with Rebecca and Counselor Taryn.”
Emilia (Miss Camp 1978, Bowling Champion 1989)
“Oh boy, Camp Handjobbi? I loved that place. Do you know if Counselor Rob is still around? He still owes me $60.”
Pete (Tallest 1981, Also known as Little Big Pete)
“That place was wild. The raw horniness of a hundred teens in the woods with no parents? And all the counselors were, like, teens? I don’t know who thought that was a great idea but, well, it was a great idea.”
Brittany (Arts and Crafts Counselor 1971-1977)
“Arts and crafts? I did that? I remember a lot of things — well, not a lot, but some. But the only craft I remember was, uh, a particular paper activity, if you catch my drift. It was pot. Rolled joints. Lots of them. Like literally insane quantities of the most terrible weed you can imagine.”
Marcus (Camp Slut 1972-1979)
“Oh boy, is that place opening again? I’m getting an itchy crotch just thinking about it.”