Special Campers Go For the Fun

Excelling in the tomato throw, the radish relay and the water balloon toss won’t earn the contender a ticket to the Olympics.

But the enthusiasm of competitors in this week’s Special Camp for Special Kids at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School rivaled that in Atlanta.

The weeklong program for mentally and physically disabled students in Orange County gives them a chance to participate in an American tradition: going to summer camp.

“It’s a great experience for everyone,” said Joyce Balak of the St. Margaret’s School staff. “It’s the most wonderful camp.”

Counselors are paired with campers, who range in age from 7 to 18.

During the week, counselors and campers take part in typical camp activities such as outdoor activities, games, arts and crafts, and computer sessions, said Ryan Newman, camp director.

Campers and counselors also take field trips to attractions such as Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, Sea World and the Fran Joswick Therapeutic Riding Center in San Juan Capistrano.

The special camp was founded five years ago by St. Margaret’s former chaplain, the Rev. Mike Wallens.

The program offers three one-week sessions, this year from July 22 through Aug. 9, and attracts more than 100 disabled children and about 130 volunteers, most of them students at local junior high or high schools, Newman said.

For campers, the benefits go beyond a week of fun outdoors. They also have an opportunity to interact with each other, meet new people and form a bond with their counselors.

“I like this camp because I have a lot of friends here,” said Ryan Harvey, 16, a first-time camper from Irvine.

Counselors say they benefit too.

“It’s been hard and tiring, but really rewarding,” said Jenniss Bare, 17, a senior at Dana Hills High School.

The camp is her first experience working with disabled children, she said: “They are very cool kids.”