(ROCKWALLL, TX – June 24, 2015) The JER Chilton YMCA at Rockwall recently opened registration for its Angel Camp summer program, providing kids with special needs the ability to have fun and socialize through a number of different enjoyable activities.
Angel Camp runs for five one-week sessions Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. as follows:
Session 1 – June 22-26
Session 2 – June 29-July 3
Session 3 – July 6-10
Session 4 – July 13-17
Session 5 – July 20-24
The JER Chilton YMCA at Rockwall provides its Angel Camp program to the community as a way for children with special needs ages 5-18 to have a camp experience they otherwise might not be able to have. The program emphasizes youth development, healthy living and social responsibility in an environment that allows unique children to explore and create with the support their needs require.
“We try to keep the kids active and socializing because a lot them don’t have that in their normal lives or temperaments,” said Melissa Cotner, who serves as director of the camp for the first time this summer.
Cotner has been working at the JER Chilton YMCA for the past seven years and is in her fourth year working with the Angel Camp program. She looks forward to her first summer as director of the program, getting to spend time with the children and “making a difference in their lives.”
Kids in the Angel Camp program can expect a mixture of entertaining activities on a daily basis, including crafts, songs, games, outdoor activities, BB’s, archery, canoeing and an hour of swim time at the pool.
Aside from the fun daily activities the kids can enjoy at Angel Camp, local businesses have also donated some exciting field trip opportunities for the Angel Camp kiddos this summer. Week two of the program will see the children get to make their very own bears thanks to donated supplies from Build-A-Bear. Kids will also get the chance to go horseback riding courtesy local riding ring Highland Horses, as well as to hear from local firefighters and S.W.A.T. team members for field trips three and four.
Angel Camp will then close out the summer in style with a sailing adventure on Lake Ray Hubbard via Sail With Scott and an End of Camp Party on Friday, July 24 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Y, where all families are invited for dinner, awards and dancing.
Each day of camp a child must bring a swimsuit, towel, packed lunch, close-toed shoes, and wear clothing that allows for activity. Children are asked not to bring electronics, toys from home, or lunch items that need to be heated.
For more information, registration assistance or questions, contact Melissa Cotner at melissacotner@gmail.com or the JER Chilton YMCA Executive Director Bonnie LaVielle at blavielle@ymcadallas.org, or call the Y at 972-772-9622.
Story and swim photo by Austin Wells, Blue Ribbon News reporter. Sailing photo submitted by the JER Chilton YMCA.
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