Special-needs camp offers ‘lots’ of fun

PHOTO courtesy of Pierce County Parks and Recreation

For more than 30 years, Camp Lots of Fun has given special-needs youth ages 6-21 something to smile about. Although this year the camp had to change locations, director Jennifer Spane said the popularity of the annual event has not slowed down a bit.

“We have about 80 campers this year, some coming from as far as Gig Harbor,” said Spane. “The camp has been a tradition for these families.”

The camp changed locations this year from its familiar home in the Puyallup School District to Discovery Primary School in Milton. Puyallup district officials notified Spane that they would be unable to host the camp this year, due to financial constraints within the district. When Fife School District officials heard about the camp’s hardship, they offered to help. Spane said the Fife district has been a great partner this year.

The thing that sets Camp Lots of Fun apart from other day camps is that activities are tailored to each camper’s mental, physical, and emotional abilities, explained Spane. But this does not mean participants won’t get the true camp experience. For four weeks, campers are entertained with a new activity. They are exposed to everything one might expect at any day camp. The group sings songs, prepares silly skits, goes swimming, goes on field trips and creates art and crafts. The activities change daily and are designed to promote sharing, cooperation, friendship, sportsmanship and fun.

“We are very much like a traditional camp,” said Spane.

Not only does the camp attract dozens of participants each year, it also attracts interest from residents interested in becoming camp counselors. This year, the program is staffed with teachers, college students and even some students from high school, who are all under the supervision of a special education teacher.

For the last two years, the camp has hosted a carnival to interact with the families of the campers and to give them the opportunity to experience what it is like to be a participant at Camp Lots of Fun. This year, the carnival was held on July 29. Families enjoyed skits performed and prepared by campers and staff. The carnival created memories and new friends, and also encouraged campers and their families to participate next year.

“It’s just a great opportunity to encourage camaraderie among campers, counselors and families,” said Spane.

Commenting rules