Oceanside CA– Children and adults with disabilities from across Southern California including San Diego County will have the opportunity to experience nature, socialize and boost their self-confidence at Easter Seals’ 41st annual week-long summer camp at Camp Oakes in Big Bear August 3-9. This year, Easter Seals is asking the community to help raise $41,000 to send campers in need of financial assistance and to celebrate the 41st anniversary of camp. Community members can donate by clicking the donation button on the camp page at the website – http://www.easterseals.com/southerncal/our-programs/camping-recreation/. All donations made from this page will go directly to Easter Seals Camp.
“Since the state’s budget eliminated funding for camp, each camper in attendance has to raise money to meet the camp fee or face not attending,” says Debbie Ball, Easter Seals regional vice president. “Our campers look forward to this week all year long. A lot of these individuals experience significant limitations in their daily lives due to their disability. Camp is their one opportunity to stretch and grow, experience freedom and explore personally, emotionally and socially. The experience is truly life-changing for campers and volunteers alike.”
The resident camp in the San Bernardino Mountains is an accredited American Camping Association site and has a registered nurse on-site 24 hours. Camp activities include canoeing, zip lining, dancing, fishing, archery, swimming, arts and crafts, campfire sing-a-longs, and a talent show. Camp staff is made up entirely of volunteers, some travel from as far as New York, Maryland, Oregon and Texas to attend.
“The Easter Seals Summer Camp is run by volunteers that not only give their time, but run fundraising campaigns too – to support campers who may not be able to afford the camp fee and to purchase wish list items that are needed at camp,” said Amanda Showalter, camp program director. “Everyone looks forward to this week all year long. I am hopeful that the community will help us reach our goal and raise the needed funds so that all the campers can enjoy the 41st year of Easter Seals Camp.”
To learn more about the Easter Seals Camp experience, check out the camp video on YouTube. For more information or to make a donation, please visit http://www.easterseals.com/southerncal/our-programs/camping-recreation/.
About Easter Seals Southern California
Easter Seals is the leading non-profit provider of services for children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. In addition, Easter Seals offers employment support services to veterans transitioning out of the military. Through autism therapy, independent living, employment and early educations services, Easter Seals provides life-changing solutions to more than 8,000 adults and children throughout Southern California. Learn more about Easter Seals at www.EasterSeals.com/southerncal and www.WorkFirst.us. Follow Easter Seals SoCal on Facebook and Twitter.