There are a few options in Georgia this summer for special needs children and their parents who may have fears of these children participating in summer activities without proper supervision. Special need summer camps are available to these children that offer self development training and fun activities in traditional camp settings. Here are a few:
Camp Breathe Easy
Camp Breathe Easy is a one week summer camp for children, ages 7-13, with mild or severe asthma cases and has held these camps for twenty-nine years. This camp operates on Camp Twin Lakes in Rutledge, Georgia, which is about 50 miles outside of Atlanta and is a resort which totally caters to the physical challenged.
During this week, campers receive training in properly handling their own asthma cases and experience traditional camp activities including swimming, paddle boating, arts and crafts, etc. The ultimate goal is for campers to have a stronger sense of self confidence and responsibility at the end of the week.
Screening potential employees and volunteers is of vital importance to organizers of this program as well. Both sets of workers are strenuously interviewed and have to attend a mini weekend retreat to receive pre-training before they are considered for any camp positions.
A medical lodge is on the property and has full time doctors and nurses on staff. Also, this lodge features necessary equipment to accommodate participants in case of potentially severe asthma attacks.
Camp dates are from July 5 to 10.
For more information, click here
Camp Sunshine
Camp Sunshine is a one week camp for children who have cancer. Led by the Sally J. Hale Center in Decatur, Georgia, this camp offers kids between the ages of 7-18 the opportunity to have chemotherapy treatments in the morning and go swimming in the afternoon. There are two sessions: one for kids, ages 7-12, and the second for kids, ages 13-18. Usually, 375 campers attend each session, which occur at Camp Twin Lakes in Rutledge, Georgia.
There is no shortage for camper involvement opportunities during this week. Along with traditional camp activities, like archery, swimming, and horseback riding, campers will also write and publish their own newspaper. There will also be a video game challenge at the end of the week. Evening activities include a talent show, carnival, and dance.
Of course with this camp taking place at Camp Twin Lakes, a fully equipped medical lodge and staff are always on-site.
Camp dates start on June 14 for teens and June 21 for pre-teens and under. This camp is at no cost to attendees. Local Foundations and Charity organizations fully and financially support this camp.
For more information, click here
Georgia Lions Camp for the Blind
The Georgia Lions Camp offers visual impaired children the option of social interaction and development opportunities during these one to two week camps. These camps help participating campers, from ages 10-17, develop self confidence and independence in themselves despite their physical drawbacks.
Campers also receive training on being productive in society using common camp activities to accomplish this goal. Attendees engage in arts and craft, fishing, canoeing, and other exertions. Furthermore, campers take off-site field trips for educational and recreational purposes.
There are eligibility factors associated with this camp. Potential campers have to have a 20/70 visibility loss in their best eye. Potentials must also display self feeding, dressing, and other personal hygiene skills.
Variable factors inhere for dates and costs as well. Camps dates are June 21-26 for pre-teens and July 13-24 for teens. The costs are $150 for Georgia residents and $250 for out-of-state participants.
For more information, click here
