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After a successful first summer of operation, the Easter Seals Summit Challenge summer day camp is looking toward the future.
This past summer, the camp served nine families of disabled children, ages 13 - 21. It ran two days a week, and provided time outside the house for five children a day, as well as respite for their parents.
This year, it's hoped the camp will run five days a week and serve 15 children a day, increase eligibility to kids aged 6-18, make the counselor to child ratio 2-to-1, and open up a few slots to non-disabled siblings and peers, because other children could benefit, said Betty Sarber, founder of Families of Exceptional Learners. The group of Summit County of parents with special-needs children provides resources and encouragement to each other.
“We were very happy with it,” Sarber said of the camp's fist summer. Her group initiated the idea in early 2011, and approached representatives from Easter Seals Rocky Mountain Village — a camp in Empire serving those with special needs and disabilities — about running the pilot program this past summer. The initial run was so successful — there was a wait list — that the organization is signed on to run it again this year, and has already received a partial grant from The Summit Foundation.
“It's doing a service for the community that's needed, and we definitely have the experience that's necessary,” said Roman Krafczyk, vice president of programs for Easter Seals Colorado. The organization is currently looking at budgets, but hope to have some final decisions soon about what the 2012 program will look like.
This past summer, attendees spent time swimming, hiking and even working in the community — one day was spent at the Marriott Mountain Valley Lodge in Breckenridge, helping out around the hotel.
“It was great to have somewhere for Stephen to go a couple days a week,” said parent Kristin Kennedy, whose teenage son has Down Syndrome. His sister was a counselor, and Stephen looked forward to spending the days with her.
“He needs a schedule and to feel like he has something to accomplish that day,” Kennedy said. For this year's camp, she's hoping to see more days helping out around the county, something Sarber also wants.
“We really, really want to give back to the community,” Sarber said.
This past summer, the camp served nine families of disabled children, ages 13 - 21. It ran two days a week, and provided time outside the house for five children a day, as well as respite for their parents.
This year, it's hoped the camp will run five days a week and serve 15 children a day, increase eligibility to kids aged 6-18, make the counselor to child ratio 2-to-1, and open up a few slots to non-disabled siblings and peers, because other children could benefit, said Betty Sarber, founder of Families of Exceptional Learners. The group of Summit County of parents with special-needs children provides resources and encouragement to each other.
“We were very happy with it,” Sarber said of the camp's fist summer. Her group initiated the idea in early 2011, and approached representatives from Easter Seals Rocky Mountain Village — a camp in Empire serving those with special needs and disabilities — about running the pilot program this past summer. The initial run was so successful — there was a wait list — that the organization is signed on to run it again this year, and has already received a partial grant from The Summit Foundation.
“It's doing a service for the community that's needed, and we definitely have the experience that's necessary,” said Roman Krafczyk, vice president of programs for Easter Seals Colorado. The organization is currently looking at budgets, but hope to have some final decisions soon about what the 2012 program will look like.
This past summer, attendees spent time swimming, hiking and even working in the community — one day was spent at the Marriott Mountain Valley Lodge in Breckenridge, helping out around the hotel.
“It was great to have somewhere for Stephen to go a couple days a week,” said parent Kristin Kennedy, whose teenage son has Down Syndrome. His sister was a counselor, and Stephen looked forward to spending the days with her.
“He needs a schedule and to feel like he has something to accomplish that day,” Kennedy said. For this year's camp, she's hoping to see more days helping out around the county, something Sarber also wants.
“We really, really want to give back to the community,” Sarber said.
