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Arc grateful for assistance with camp
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Dear Editor,

The Arc of Effingham would like to thank the Effingham Herald for the coverage they gave to our third annual summer camp this year. Pictures speak louder than words. Camp Hollywood was bigger and better this year and we hope to grow each year and expand to several locations in the county. We plan to hold the two-week camp every year on the last two weeks of June.

I personally want to thank each and every member of The Arc of Effingham and every volunteer who worked hard to make our camp a real success. I also want to thank the Effingham County Board of Education for allowing us the use of the facilities. The schools are designed for children and the new Marlow Elementary School has a great design for our camp. I also want to thank the custodial staff who were so pleasant and helpful. They made it easier for our volunteers to focus on our jobs as they assured us we were not a problem for them even though we made extra work for them, thank you Mr. Larry and Mrs. Laurie. And thanks to the teen volunteers who made the camp a happy place to come, you really do add a spark to the camp.

We had children from the ages of 18 months, whose parent was a volunteer and member, to age 16. The camp is open to all children as long as they are school age, which could be up to age 22 for children with disabilities. Younger children can attend if the parent is present to care for the child.

Our program will expand as needs in the community are identified. The Arc of Effingham has just started a “family support program” for families whose children have disabilities, and a community work program that will do small jobs for people with disabilities utilizing people who must do community service. A respite program is in the talking stages.

Both children with disabilities and their siblings and their typical peers attended the art, music and drama camp which provided lunch and two snacks, gym time and floor activities.  The newly acquired “roll chamber” a large blow up toy the kids can get in and roll around the gym was a huge contributor to the fun.

We received donations from many people and businesses and we could not have done it without you. Thanks to everyone who made our camp possible. Our camp is one of a kind and we are already planning for next year.
 
Nina Dasher
President
Arc of Effingham