Camper Tim Bartlett with Mike and Stephanie.

Special-Needs Camps: Family Ministry

In 1996, Mike Wesch felt led by the Spirit to work at the Special Needs Camp, an event designed to provide a fun-filled and enriching weekend for individuals who are physically or mentally challenged, ages eight to 90.

It was the start of what has become a family ministry. When Michael came home, he told his father, Gary, the camp was a great time and that he planned to continue attending.

Joining the camp was more difficult for Gary. When he went for the first time he reported being “very uncomfortable working with mentally and physically handicapped people. As I went to bed that night I asked myself, ‘What am I doing here?’ By the end of the camp three days later, I was hooked. In 2000, I became co-director, and in 2002 I became director. And my son, Mike, took over as co-director, as well as activities director.”

These days other family members participate, too. Karen, Gary’s wife, assembles a camp log for each camper to take home. Stephanie, Gary’s daughter, is camp photographer. Dave, his oldest son, is head counselor and sets up lodging for everyone. He also helps introduce campers to counselors, and he has a camper. Jenny, the youngest daughter, is a counselor, too.

The camp, which began 37 years ago, takes place every year during the first weekend of August in Sanford, Michigan. The beautiful campgrounds overlook Sanford Lake and serve approximately twenty-five campers, plus volunteers and staff members.

Special Needs Camp operates strictly on donations. Before mission centers existed, there were regions. When the format changed to mission centers, donations dwindled. In late 2007, officials learned there wasn’t enough money for another camp. But because of a Tangible Love Grant, it can continue.

The camp provides numerous activities. The fun begins Friday afternoon with a boys-versus-girls kickball game, which always ends in a tie. Later, a carnival offers basketball, ring toss, cake walks, and many more games. Other fun includes swimming, fishing, boating, and crafts.

Several families living on Sanford Lake volunteer their time and their pontoon boats to give rides around the lake. Campers put their ball-kicking and Frisbee-throwing skills to the test in an annual Special Olympics. Everyone receives a medal.

Saturday evening finds campers “getting their groove on” at the dance. On Sunday they practice for a talent show that evening. Monday, on the final day of camp, parents and guardians join in sharing the weekend highlights and saying goodbye.

Many campers look forward to camp each year. Guardians often say that other than Christmas, this weekend is all campers have to look forward to.

“The enriching weekend touches lives in ways I didn’t know were possible,” Gary reported. “Special Needs Camp is an important part of so many people’s lives. On behalf of all of them, I wish to thank Community of Christ and Tangible Love Grants.”

To learn more about Tangible Love Grants go to www.CofChrist.org/tlove/.

—Gary and Mike Wesch reporting