This summer marked the 33rd year of Special Camp, a day program for youth with disabilities and their one-to-one counselors. With service, opportunity, and love, Special Camp works toward providing an unforgettable summer experience while also eliminating the stigma commonly associated with the disabled community. 

 

This year’s theme was “Carnival”, and the summer activities including a variety of carnival games purchased through a PTF grant as well as carnival-like activities such as a balloon artist and face painter. The week-long camp was capped off with a talent show highlight the many abilities of Special Camp’s incredible community. Some 156 campers (ages 6-21) and 156 volunteer counselors (more than 50 of them from St. Margaret’s) participated across the three sessions of camp. Each camp session was led by Executive Director Lindsay Eres ’00 and a staff of eight, more than half of whom are St. Margaret’s alumni. In addition, St. Margaret’s school nurse Elouise Garrovillas joined as Special Camp’s on-campus nurse, and current Upper School student Amara Grover served as camp photographer.

 

This summer, Special Camp created friendship and fun through activities both on St. Margaret’s campus and elsewhere. Off-campus ventures included the Adventure City, Doheny State Beach, Knott’s Berry Farm, and Chuck E. Cheese’s and newly added Pretend City, while on-campus offerings included time spent in the camp’s activity centers (entertainment, arts & crafts, games & reading, sports, and sensory integration). 

  

Each camp session concluded with The Geraldine Parent Family Reception and Awards Ceremony, at which each counselor presents a personalized award to their camper. A special recognition to graduating campers were also honored. Other awards included counselors who have volunteered for more than four summers. At the conclusion, each camper receives a handwritten letter from their counselor and a one-on-one photo in a frame that they painted earlier in the session.

 

While Special Camp’s signature program is the summer sessions, Special Camp has year-round programming to provide social and recreational opportunities for its participants.