Articles

Camp to Help Children With Special Needs

Published Tuesday, June 5, 2007

By BHAKTI KADIWAR
Special to The Ledger

LAKE WALES - Children with special needs are often excluded from summer programs, but in Lake Wales, things are about to change.

Our Children's Rehab and Our Children's Academy will be hosting the first Red Balloon Summer Camp for special needs children from Monday to Aug. 3. Hours will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Academy officials said the camp will provide an enjoyable and therapeutic experience at Our Children's Academy for children ages 2 to 12. Siblings and friends are also allowed to attend.

The camp is intended to give children with learning disorders, autism, or vocal and physical disabilities chance to have social interaction and participate in group activities.

Parents also hope to ensure their child's improvements in therapy over the summer. Terry Taylor, whose 5-year-old son has a speech disability, said his "continued progression with therapy over the summer" is her main incentive for sending him. Taylor also emphasized that the "therapists and staff are wonderful" at the camp.

Not only will children receive full attention from speech, occupational, and physical therapists, but camp staff will also organize fun activities for the children, such as storytelling, arts and crafts, relay races, music, and water play. Additionally, the staff will organize theme days, such as a "Joke Day" and "Watermelon Day."

Sharon Comkowycz, director of the summer program, explained "Backwards Day" as a day when "children will wear their clothes inside-out." Participants will have fun with other children, a great opportunity for many of those attending because these children often do not have many chances to play with friends their own age.

The faculty will take older students on field trips to places such as Historic Bok Tower Gardens, Cypress Gardens, and police and fire departments. Participants will also attend art classes and go to restaurants to eat and practice social and communication skills. Costs will be minimal for low-income households thanks to funding from Polk County's parks and leisure program. Children receiving Medicaid or in the free lunch program will pay $30 a week for the camp. The cost is $100 per week otherwise.

For more information, contact Our Children's Academy at 863-679-3338.