Camp I Am Special

Story by Anna Bass, staff reporter

Inclusive camp brightens lives of participants, volunteers alike

It’s seven in the morning, and the sun is barely peeking from behind the clouds. The song “Good Day” by Nappy Roots is blasting throughout the cabin. You sit up in your bunk bed and realize it’s going to be another great day.

This is reality for a group of over 100 teens every summer who choose to volunteer at Camp I am Special.

These volunteers — the Buddies — dedicate a week of their summer to partner up with an individual with special needs to give him or her the best experience possible.

The goal is to replicate an ideal summer camp, without any restrictions and limitations based on their disabilities.

With a wheelchair accessible pool, inclusive playground with adaptive equipment and also adaptive bikes, campers can feel capable and empowered to participate in everyday activities that might otherwise be difficult, or even impossible, for them.

CIAS Buddy senior Samantha Moran swims with the camper.

One way that CIAS tries to make camp unique and creative is by having a different theme each summer, and this year it is Under the Sea.

“Camp I am Special is the happiest place on Earth where everyone can be their silly and happy selves,” senior Sophia Lopez said. Lopez has been a Buddy during three CIAS sessions. This program offers

CIAS Buddy senior Sofia Lopez welcomes her camper.

individuals who might not be treated fairly out in the real world with a safe-haven filled with kindness and compassion.

Senior Sam Moran has served as a buddy at two camp sessions. Moran says she loves being able to give the campers such an incredible experience and describes it as “genuinely like seeing heaven on earth” because CIAS chooses to focus on the campers’ abilities rather than their disabilities.

Senior Ashley Hemmerly poses with her camper.

Buddies also learn a great deal from their time at camp, according to senior Ashley Hemmerly.

“When you first come, you don’t expect the impact that the experience will make,” Hemmerly said. “It changes you for the better.”

After a week of Camp I am Special, the hope is that campers have a newfound joy and sense of confidence in the unique abilities they have. Buddies develop a profound sense of compassion and

humility – and lifelong friendships, too.

Bishop Kenny has worked closely with Catholic Charities and Camp I Am Special for years.

“We have always been the ones to supply the majority of the buddies,” Campus Ministry administrative assistant Jennifer Cabrey said. “It’s just something we’ve always done.”

Campus Ministry had sign-ups in the cafeteria twice in an effort to recruit more Buddies and raise awareness for CIAS on campus, according to Cabrey.

“Then we also had kids sign up so they could come to an interest meeting about CIAS during E mod, and also after school.”

To help continue its legacy and take part in all the fun Under the Sea this summer, you can sign up at Catholic Charities website.