The Brightside: Summer Camp Creates Inclusive Space for Children With Disabilities

DELAWARE — The Down Syndrome Association of Delaware is hosting a summer camp for children with disabilities and their siblings, sponsored by Choptank Electric Cooperative.

Days of Summer Camp isn’t an ordinary summer camp. From furry friends at the petting zoo to colorful face painting, the camp gives children a chance to have fun and be themselves alongside their siblings.

Teen counselor Marley Wright said the camp creates a welcoming environment where everyone is accepted.

“When you’re here, you don’t get judged. It’s just like you’re a part of our community. We don’t see any difference in you. Everybody’s different in their own way anyway, so we see no difference. Just be you. It’s fine when you’re here. It’s okay. Be you,” Wright said.

While the petting zoo brought plenty of excitement, it also helped some campers overcome their fears. “I talked her into doing it. She really enjoyed that a lot so it’s fun helping them grow and get over their fears a little bit,” Wright said.

The smiles were easy to spot, and with creativity flowing from paintbrushes to children’s faces, the joy was contagious. Wright said the camp is just as meaningful for volunteers as it is for campers.

“It also teaches the adults that we still have, like, a little bit of a childish side. So that way we can still go out there and have more fun with them. So it’s basically fun for all of us here,” Wright said.

Events like these help break down misconceptions about disabilities by highlighting what children can do, rather than what they cannot.

“I just like seeing other kids get along — kids that don’t have Down syndrome and kids that do have Down syndrome and other disabilities. I like seeing them get along a lot because they don’t really get to go out there and make friends because people judge them for who they are,” Wright said.

Longtime volunteer Steve Beard, known to campers as “Mr. Steve,” has supported children at the camp for 11 years. “I’m just here for that. I don’t really have any responsibilities except to have fun with the kids,” Beard said.

Although the animals have gone home and the face paint has faded, the memories made at camp are sure to last.

If you have any recommendations for The Brightside, e-mail us at newsroom@wmdt.com