For nearly a quarter of a century, Camp Bonaventure has allowed children and teenagers with physical or intellectual disabilities the opportunity to take part in camp activities without fear of judgment.
The success of the camp, started by the non-profit organization Between Friends in 1990, is visible on the faces of the children.
“Sheer joy and excitement,” says organizer Katie Fipke. “Just to see the smiles on their faces, and how excited they are to come to camp, is such a wonderful, wonderful feeling.”
Over the last 24 years, thousands of kids between the ages of four and seventeen, with the assistance of volunteers and staff, have participated in 150 different activities ranging from hiking to swimming, to artistic endeavors including dance and music.
Many of the participants return to the camp every year where they make friends and develop a sense of freedom and independence, but it’s not only the children who make repeat trips to Camp Bonaventure.
“This is my seventh summer with Between Friends,” explains Fipke. “I keep coming back just because of the smiles and the growth you see in our participants.”
For more information on Camp Bonaventure, visit Between Friends.
