The Miracle League of Northampton Township, PA

Filling Hearts and Changing Lives, One Game at a Time

In my (biased) opinion, no city does sports quite like Philadelphia (and the surrounding suburbs). The passion and dedication to all our sports teams is not just a pastime—it’s a way of life. That way of life trickles into everything we do as Philadelphians, especially into our club and youth sports, like the Miracle League of Northampton Township, PA.

About the Miracle League:

• The Miracle League organization began in Georgia in 1998. 
• The coach of the local Rockdale Youth Baseball Association, Eddie, invited an athlete in a wheelchair to join his baseball team. 
• Inspired by this child’s love of baseball and joy of inclusion, in 1999, Eddie created a baseball team where all abilities were welcome. 
• Since then, the Miracle League has expanded to 350 locations, serving over 45,000 athletes with disabilities.

The Miracle League of Northampton Township (PA)

Recently, I had the opportunity to interview Mary Camp and Danielle Zusin, two volunteer board members of my local Miracle League. Their love of sports has transcended barriers, and together, they are making a difference in the lives of young athletes.

Mary Camp began working with the Miracle League of Northampton Township in PA in 2011. Her first exposure to the Miracle League was on The Today Show from a segment about this unique organization. 

Mary was in a transition in her life and was inspired to seek out her local Miracle League and become a volunteer. As a mother of two boys, Mary had her fair share of experience with youth sports. She felt like her experience could help her local special needs community.

She initially began as a volunteer baseball buddy and was moved by the experience. The joy she felt inside was something she wanted to continually feel. She was partnered with a child who was blind, and was amazed at the opportunities this environment provided for him. 

“We used a sound ball so he knew where the ball was going, and by the end of the season, he was hitting the ball! It was amazing!” she said. “I couldn’t get enough of it.” 

Through her experiences with the Miracle League, Mary continues to learn about the special needs community and looks for ways to provide opportunities for these young athletes.

Mary’s contributions to the Northampton chapter of the Miracle League have deepened [over the years]. Today, she’s an integral part of the board. The sky’s the limit for Mary, and throughout our conversation, it was evident that her wheels are always turning. Her goal is to ensure that each athlete gets a valuable sports experience, with plenty of fun along the way. 

(If anyone knows the Phillie Phanatic personally or has a connection, let me know. Mary would LOVE to have the Phanatic or the Phillies involved in this upcoming softball season.)

Danielle Zusin is a local mother who is heavily involved in autism advocacy in the community. With twin sons with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Danielle has been fighting for inclusion and opportunities every step of the way. Her involvement in the Miracle League fell into her backyard—literally. The Miracle League fields were being constructed right next door to her neighborhood!

For the Zusins, the Miracle League is a family affair. Since construction of the fields, they have been involved in growing the inclusive playground on site, including the addition of a communication board for non-speaking patrons. (This communication board was her daughter’s idea so that children like her brothers could communicate with one another on the playground.) Danielle’s Philly sports-loving husband also volunteers his time to help athletes grow their confidence.

Danielle has been amazed at the community these families have built together and how they’re providing opportunities for their children. When Mary approached Danielle to be involved with the board, it was a resounding yes. 

“I can see this organization being a part of our lives for a very long time,” Danielle said. “There’s not many things that the five of us can do all together where everyone is thoroughly enjoying themselves. But, the Miracle League is one of them.”

What does the Miracle League of Northampton Township, PA currently offer for athletes?

The Miracle League of Northampton Township, PA currently offers softball, basketball, bowling and soccer. They are also affiliated with other organizations offering additional sports opportunities. However, they are always looking for growth. A need they would like to expand to next? SWIM. The Miracle League has shown such growth over the years; it is exhilarating to think of what programs will be added as they continue to expand.

My son has had the opportunity to begin basketball with our Miracle League. To see the joy and excitement he has each week is something I will never take for granted. He feels valued, encouraged and appreciated by the athletes and volunteers. Acceptance and inclusion are the goal for all special needs parents, and it’s a gift to have an organization thriving on those values. 

How can you help the Miracle League?

• Volunteer your time for your local Miracle League. Not sure of where your closest one is? Check here to find out!
• Donate to your local Miracle League. Consider donating to the Miracle League of Northampton Twp, PA this holiday season!