Knights of Columbus Orange Coun

DIOCESE OF ORANGE HOSTS 31st ANNUAL RECREATION SUMMER CAMP - 2008

For more than three decades, ReCreation camp for adults with disabilities has provided a unique setting for support, interaction, artistic exploration, spiritual growth and fun

ReCreation Camp is a weeklong residential summer camp for adults with developmental, physical and mental disabilities, which takes place June 28 – July 5, 2008, at the Marywood Center in Orange. The camp program began in 1976 and is now completely funded by the Knights of Columbus under the auspices of the Catholic Charities of Orange County

“While our campers are the central focus of everything we do, there are additional beneficiaries in the families and care-givers responsible for our guests. Theirs is a 24-7 job with little or no respite. Re-Creation Camp provides a restorative oasis for these relatives and a central reason for the program’s existence,” said Meghan Schinderle, Co-Director of the Re-Creation Summer Camp. Meghan Schinderle and Katie Webb have taken over as camp directors this year from husband and wife team, Frank and Mary Murphy, who had been directing the camp in Orange for the past 10 years.

The camp recruits its counselors from local Orange County high schools and colleges. The majority of the counselors have been attending for many years, just as the campers have. ReCreation Summer Camp strives to maintain a one-to-one ratio of counselors to campers. This individualized attention allows volunteers to build personal relationships with the campers and ensures that every camper receives the attention they deserve. Veteran counselor and Co-Director of the Camp, Katie Webb has volunteered every summer since 1998. “Spending time with the campers each summer is the most important and rewarding thing I do all year. The counselors and volunteers at camp get as much out of this experience as the campers do,” says Webb.
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The goals of this enriching summer camp are multifaceted. The camp provides an environment where adults with disabilities can participate in activities which will enhance their skills, independence, confidence and self-esteem. It provides a small relief for those family members and care-takers that devote their lives to caring for their loved-one. It gives volunteer teens and young adults an opportunity to participate in an educational experience that will strengthen their understanding of diversity and help them to develop leadership skills. Camp takes place within the context of Catholic tradition, building strong community relationships in a spiritual environment for both adults with disabilities and youth volunteers.

During the weeklong summer camp, participants have the opportunity to experience a variety of social and educational activities. Campers, accompanied by volunteers, attend arts and crafts classes, drama class, and journal class. They also participate in recreational games and spiritual enrichment activities. Nightly activities spotlight each camper’s unique abilities and provide a positive, interactive, social setting, including a campfire experience called “Waterfall,” a concert with the Hi Hopes, a band made up of other adults with disabilities, an all-camp dance in the gymnasium and a Talent Show. The campers will also have the opportunity to celebrate Independence Day at camp with fireworks, a BBQ, and a Carnival.

The highlight of the week for many of the campers, however, is the field trip. The destination of the trip is related to the camp theme. Past trips have included Universal Studios and Knott’s Berry Farm. Last year’s camp theme was “A Vacation in Paradise,” the group went to Sea World in San Diego. This year the theme is “Olympics: One Camp, One Dream” and the group will head off to an Angeles Baseball Game.

“The ReCreation Summer Camp is a unique opportunity for adults with disabilities and youth to interact with one another, learn arts and crafts, and expand their own spirituality. We are thankful to Bishop of Orange, Most Rev. Tod D. Brown, the Knights of Columbus, and Catholic Charities for their supportive efforts to make this program available but most importantly we are thankful for our campers, they are the lights of our lives!”, Schinderle concluded.

For more information on ReCreation Summer Camp, please call 714-347-9627, or e-mail, camp@ccoc.org.