Camp reaches out to kids with special needs

[Guest guest]

Camp reaches out to kids with special needs

12:00 AM CDT on Saturday, May 13, 2006

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Summer camps are as diverse as the children they serve. There are sports

camps, math camps, band camps and church camps that children look forward to

after a long school year.

Children with chronic illnesses and major physical disabilities are no

different.

Camp Marc was established in 1987 to help improve the quality of life

for those children. The camp sits on 135 acres donated by Jan and Marc Myers

in memory of their son, Marc Meyers, in Bosque County, 85 miles

southwest of Dallas.

The camp is open year-round serving organizations from hospitals such as

Parkland Memorial Hospital, Texas ish Rite Hospital for Children,

Children's Medical Center Dallas and Cook Children's Medical Center.

During summer months, Camp Marc serves kids with asthma, cancer, heart

disease, hemophilia, juvenile arthritis, kidney disease, muscular dystrophy,

sickle cell anemia, burns and spina bifida.

Youths dealing with conditions such as gastrointestinal disorders,

craniofacial disorders, HIV, limb differences and transplants attend

off-season weekend sessions.

Camp activities include swimming, fishing, arts and crafts, boating, archery

and pottery.

Lakewood neighbor Vance Gilmore, Camp Marc's director for the past 17

years, said the camp is an important experience for kids.

" When the camp was first organized, it was our directive to help the

children grow in several ways: emotionally, spiritually and in self-help, "

Mr. Gilmore said. " Our goal is to enhance the self-esteem of such special

children by providing a common bond through organized activities,

cultivating in each individual the attitude 'I can do it.' "

Former camper and Lakewood resident attended Camp Marc for

nine years as a burn survivor.

" Attending camp gave me the chance to boost my self-confidence, " he said.

" As a kid I was shy, reluctant and protective of my injuries. Meeting kids

at camp helped me realize there were other kids with injuries similar to

mine. "

After graduating from Woodrow High in 2000, Mr. earned his

degree in therapeutic recreation from the University of North Texas.

He serves as assistant director of Camp Marc. " Now, I not only give

back to the kids what I once received, but I call it 'paying forward' as a

thank you to the staff and people who have given so much to me, " he said.

Camp Marc relies on volunteers to keep participation costs far below

that of a traditional residential camp for children of special needs. During

the summer, the camp needs as many as 90 volunteers a week.

Lakewood resident Boes volunteered for four years at Camp TLC, a

spina bifida camp held at Camp Marc.

" I have a sister with special needs, but due to the long distance between us

I am not able to help her as often as I like, " she said. " I volunteer at

Camp Marc in hopes of giving back to the people who may be helping my

sister. "

After their high school graduation, Mrs. Boes' sons, Matt and Jeff, also

volunteered at the camp. " The feeling you come away with after the week is

wonderful, " Mrs. Boes said.

For information, visit www.campjohnmarc.org or call 214-360-0056.