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Partners in Adventure Camp, gearing up for its 11th year, will offer newly expanded camper ages this season, serving young people ages eight through 25. This program partners individuals with and without disabilities in four, two-week summer sessions, Partners in Adventure offers a wide variety of enriching programs. All workshops are adapted for the success and inclusion of campers with the full range of developmental and physical limitations. While partnering disabled and non-disabled campers, Partners In Adventure hopes to establish a lifelong appreciation of the differences that exist among us.

The Winter Vacation Camp, held in February, was Olympic themed. The last day of an adventure-packed week included an afternoon of outdoor fun at Northern Lights Rock and Ice, where the campers took off on the giant swing and zip line followed by a barbeque and s' mores around a big campfire. The closing ceremonies included a parade with kids, wheelchairs and walkers, campers waving flags and torches, and gold medals for everyone.

Summer programming offers adaptive workshops in sailing, kayaking, fencing, bowling, wall climbing and creative workshops in Taiko drumming, dance and music, and a wide variety of arts and crafts. The life skills program offers workshops in meal planning, cooking, and using money. There is swimming, tennis, a zip line, Tae Kwon Do and horseback riding taught by certified instructors. There are field trips to Shelburne Farms, ferry rides, picnics, beach parties and more.

Partners In Adventure recruits high school volunteers, ages 16 to 18, seeking credit-based community service as role models for Partners In Adventure non-disabled younger campers. Before the start of camp these tuition exempt volunteers attend a Disability Awareness Training workshop to raise participants awareness and sensitivity, as well as teach emergency aid techniques, including CPR. Volunteers are briefed on communicating and interacting with people of different abilities. They are given guidance on distinguishing between various disabilities, using respectful language and respectfully providing assistance.

Parents attribute the success of the program to Partners in Adventure's concerted effort to accommodate the needs of each individual. The reactions of non-disabled campers has been especially heartening, many of these individuals have never socialized with disabled peers, let alone thoroughly enjoyed their company.

Partners In Adventure plays an important role in connecting young people with disabilities with their non-disabled peers in a manner that dramatically improves mutual social awareness and quality of life through shared experiences and fun.

Information and applications can be accessed at: www.partnersinadventure.org or by calling 425-2638.