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Special needs camp registration deadline soon

  • Published
  • By Samantha Crane
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
Scott Air Force Base, Ill. --  The boys and girls scream in delight as they each feel a little pull on their fishing rod. As they struggle to reel in their prize-winning fish they wave to another group of children just arriving back to camp after a hike through the woods. Soon, they will all get together to have lunch followed by craft time.

This is just one example of what boys and girls experience when they go to camp each summer, but for some children with special needs, summer camp is just another thing they may never get the chance to take part in. Fortunately for children with special needs here at Scott Air Force Base, they have the opportunity to go to camp this summer.

For the first time ever, the Airman and Family Readiness Center Exceptional Family Member Program Family Support Coordinator has teamed up with the Youth Center, a medical advisor and other volunteers on base to create a completely customizable camp designed to accommodate the needs of the child.

"We're creating a two-day experience for school-age children with special needs," said Ms. Jackson. "It will give the children an opportunity to have a traditional camp experience tailored to their needs."

Any child enrolled in EFMP can register for camp, which will take place Aug. 9-10. The registration deadline is July 5.

"The registration deadline will give us the time we need to review each child's record with a medical advisor to see what needs to be done to accommodate them in camp," said Ms. Jackson. "In this way any child, no matter what they are faced with, can have a chance to go to camp."

The camp will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Children will take part in activities that teach them about camping, hiking and fishing. There will also be time set aside for crafts and indoor athletics. On Aug. 10 there will be an awards ceremony and a special performance by Cowboy Randy who will sing, talk about cowboy history and perform rope tricks.

Parents are welcome to stay with their children during camp or drop them off depending on the child's comfort level.

For more information about the camp, to register, or to volunteer, call the A&FRC at 256-8668.