For three decades, the Re-Creation camp for adults with disabilities has provided a unique setting for support, interaction, artistic exploration and spiritual growth  

The Re-Creation Summer Camp is a weeklong residential camp for adults with developmental, physical and mental disabilities which takes place June 22 – 30, 2007, 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 campers are the central focus of this program, our intended beneficiaries are 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 Mary Murphy, Co-Director of the Re-Creation Summer Camp. Husband and wife, Frank and Mary Murphy have 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. The Re-Creation 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. Eight year veteran counselor, Meghan Schinderle 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 Schinderle.

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 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 Pirate Adventure,” the group went to Disneyland and road on the newly minted Pirates of the Caribbean amusement ride. This year the theme is “A Vacation in Paradise” and the group will head off to Sea World in San Diego.

“The Re-Creation Summer Camp is a unique opportunity for developmentally disabled adults 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 for our campers,” Murphy concluded.  For more information on the Re-Creation Summer Camp, please call 714-225-5334, or visit, www.rc-summercamp.com