Local Summer Camp Gives Kids With Disabilities A Place To Thrive - WMDT 47 News - Delmarva's Choice

FELTON, Del. - Alex and Connie Luciani look for ways to give their son, Zach, a sense of normalcy, and Camp Lenape provides just that.

For more than 30 years, it's given campers with disabilities a place where they can learn to socialize and enhance their quality of life. Zach was born with cerebral palsy and has been attending camp since he was 3 years old. "Here, he's like a typical kid. He's with children without disabilities and he makes so many different friends. And I think it's helped him maybe have a little self confidence," Connie said.

The Luciani's appreciate the camp is also open to kids without disabilities. Zach's younger brother Josh, has been attending since he was five, and tells us it's given him perspective. "It's most important that you just have to know people much better and just have to accept that when you have disabilities, you have to appreciate - you just have to go with it. It's just a great way to know each other and know what he's been through," he said.

And it's helped them build a stronger bond. "Here, they can swim together, they can play whatever game there is. If it's kick ball, or whatever sport that they're playing - they can get involved with at least some level together and have a shared activity," Alex said.

For more information on Camp Lenape, call 302-335-5626 or go to www.ucpde.org.