03/14/2008

Camp SKAMP Makes Memories

When thinking of summer camp you think of swimming, crafts, and recreation. Camp SKAMP is different. Here you find wheelchairs, crutches, and medicine. It is a camp for Special Kids And Meaningful People. The special kids are children ages 8–21 who are physically handicapped. Most of them have cerebal palsy or spina bifida.

Camp SKAMP was started 36 years ago by a group of senior high youth from the North Pensacola, Florida, congregation. They envisioned a camp held for one year. What they received was a camp that is now held annually at Bluff Springs Campground, supported by the Alabama/Northwest Florida Mission Center. This year 135 people attended—27 of them were the special kids.

High school students can earn 100 hours of community service for college applications and scholarships. Many of the counselors are members of the Community of Christ, but there are students involved from all denominations. Many have gone on to become nurses, doctors, physical and occupational therapists, special education teachers, and speech teachers.

Camp creates meaningful memories. One camper, Nikki, told us that this was the only place she had friends. Another camper insisted that her mother buy her a calendar so she could mark the date of the next camp. Ryan said, “I would be bored if I weren’t at camp.” Another camper said that she had been hesitant to attend, but after she did, she wouldn’t trade the experience for 10 million dollars.

—Ann Sprague, SKAMP
camp director, reporting