Camp Arrowhead Amputee Veterans' Recreation Area

Amputee Veterans Recreation Area, Inc., Camp Arrowhead is nestled on the shore line of Lake Cochituate and was founded after World War II by a group of veterans. It’s a place where veteran amputees could come and enjoy social and physical recreation and receive support as they rebuild their physical, mental and spiritual independence.

Soon after, the veterans living with a handicap, recognized the need to serve disabled children and opened up a summer camp in 1958, where special needs kids and young adults get to spend 6 weeks every summer enjoying the grounds. “ For the vets, It's something that we're proud of," said Joe Connolly, Korean War Veteran and past commander of the Amputee Veterans of America Inc.” I think it's living with a handicap that makes [veterans] more open to working with others."

As the founding Veterans aged, their participation dwindled and a new generation of warriors went off to fight in wars and engage in conflicts such as Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, Somalia, Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq War and War in Afghanistan. There is now a need to serve the next generation of wounded warriors and disabled veterans. In 2016, after many years of work by local veterans and supporters the camp is coming back into use by our disabled vets. As of today, there is growing awareness and support of Camp Arrowheads mission and cause. Some examples of this are recent success in newspaper print and other media. Veterans’ organizations, civic organizations, local businesses, and various other philanthropies have pledged their support to support this generation and generations to come.

The Camp is welcoming this generation of similarly injured and disabled warriors to aide in their rehabilitation and helping to raise their quality of life. The veterans group is also seeking fellow veterans who need access to services and have a desire to help their injured comrades.

The 2015-2017 strategic plan and programs can be viewed online.

The Amputee Veterans Recreation Area, Inc is excited to continue the collaboration between the veterans and the youth camp and have a shared vision of things to come.

If you are interested in activities, services, volunteering or donating, please contact us today.