Camp of love — Children with special needs find safe haven at summer camp

From Southwest Florida-

Camp Able abounded with love and joy the week of July 19. The camp is described as Christmas morning, summer vacation and a family reunion all rolled into five fun packed days for people with special needs. It is a place where disabilities are worked around and gifts are celebrated. It’s a community of unconditional love, compassion and acceptance.

The camp is the brainchild of Fr. Kyle Bennett, rector of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, who has worked extensively with children with disabilities and whose doctoral thesis was on the theological and social implications of people with disabilities.

The camp is held at the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida’s DaySpring Conference Center in Manatee County. The setting is serene with its acres of oak trees covered with Spanish moss, bromeliads, winding paths on a lakefront. The first Camp Able was held there in 2007.

Each day began with prayer. Campers were given their choice of activities for the day — canoeing, swimming, playing on a water slide, horseback riding, arts and crafts, ropes course challenge, zip-line, drum circle and working therapeutic dogs. For many the highlight of their experience was the exhilaration of the zip-line and the affirmation of abilities at the talent show.

More here-

http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2010/jul/29/camp-love-children-special-needs-find-safe-haven-s/