Special to the Herald
The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) will host its 14th annual Camp Buddy summer camp for Effingham County on June 25-29 at the Blandford Elementary School and local places in Rincon for community-based learning opportunities.
Camp Buddy is for children of all ages with Down syndrome and is designed to help students retain previous accomplishments and prepare for the upcoming school year with a specially designed curriculum by special education teachers and therapists.
Elementary school children will attend the morning session where they will stay at the facility and engage in one-on-one occupational, physical, and speech therapy. Campers will also enjoy games, arts and crafts with educational components.
Middle school children will also receive therapies as they work on several projects including preparing bags for Backpack Buddies, teacher appreciation bags, and experiencing opportunities that will help them advance in challenging academic areas.
High schoolers will attend the later afternoon session and engage in activities such as volunteering at local food and clothing pantries and going on a shopping trip to the grocery store where they will work on budgeting and healthy meal planning. During the camp session, they will have an opportunity to learn occupational and life skills in the kitchen as well as preparing several meals. An overnight stay will assist with learning skills that promote independent living. Fun group activities are planned as well.
Throughout the camp session, occupational, physical, and speech therapy are disguised as games and activities, and all campers participate in activities that promote health and wellness as well as the importance of giving back to the community.
To register for the Effingham County Camp Buddy, contact Molly Marchese at mollymarchese6107@gmail.com or 912-213-9127.
LDSS is hosting Camp Buddy summer camp for Chatham County on July 10-14 at St. Andrews School, 601 Penn Waller Rd, on Wilmington Island. Contact Pam Hussey, pbjhussey@gmail.com to register.
Camp Buddy is made possible through the generosity of the community, friends and families of LDSS and events such as the Buddy Walk and Night of Champions. For more information about LDSS, visit http://www.ldssga.org/
