UPDATED 7/17/20
Each year, children all over the United States attend summer camps in order to stay active while on vacation from school. But for some children, choices for overnight camps are limited if they have disabilities or are from low income families. Although there are many summer programs for low income families, not every community offers a local summer camp for underprivileged kids. Fortunately there are many benefactors and volunteers that help to provide summer programs for low income families at no charge.
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But the Kiwanis Club of Knoxville, TN, aims to change that with their Fresh Air Camp for children who would otherwise miss out on this crucial summer activity. This Kiwanis summer camp serves underprivileged kids from all around the greater Knoxville area. This summer camp for underprivileged kids caters to those with disabilities as well as low income families.andnbsp;
The Kiwanis Fresh Air Camp gives kids whose families fall below the poverty line four weeks of overnight camp. Whether a divorce has left an economic hardship or if the family is financially struggling for other reasons, these low income summer programs let kids from underprivileged families get to experience the outdoors. For children with disabilities, the camp hosts another two-week day program with the help of the East Tennessee Children’s Hospital.
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New this year is a one week Kiwanis summer camp for children with juvenile diabetes. Across all programs, there is no cost to attend thanks to generous donations and volunteers. All of these low income summer programs are free to families who qualify.andnbsp;
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Camps with a unique focus are nothing new these days, though. For instance, animal shelters all over the country offer summer camps that allow kids to learn about nurturing animals, veterinary medicine, and other educational topics.
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At the Arizona Animal Welfare League andamp; SPCA in Phoenix, campers ages six and up learn about feeding, exercising, washing, training and caring for cats and dogs. Older campers can also help watch a surgery, help with minor stitches and help with other tasks to get a feel for veterinary careers.
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“Every element of summer camps are designed to create a fun and nurturing environment for children from all backgrounds,” says Eric Colton, Owner, Fitness by the Sea Summer Camp. “We believe that every child should be shown unconditional love and acceptance as they explore, learn, and grow. Many kids come to camp with pre-existing labels from their peers in school like jock, brainiac, or nerd. We actively work with children to develop a positive self image by nudging them out of their comfort zone and participating in unfamiliar activities.”
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Sheena Curley, the Kiwanis summer camp director for the past 23 years, is proud of the atmosphere at the Kiwanis Fresh Air Camp Knoxville TN.
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“We do a lot of things to help kids have fun and learn to be independent,” Curley said.
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One unique feature at this Kiwanis summer camp is that each child gets their own volunteer counselor, who gives them one-on-one attention during their stay.
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Parents of special needs children can rest easy, knowing that their children are also tended to by nurses from the children’s hospital.
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One such child is Makayla Irwin, a nine-year-old with Spina Bifida. Although her spinal condition affects her ability to walk and causes other health problems, Makayla is excited to attend camp again for the fourth year.
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“We get to do arts and crafts, then pool or slip’n’slide,” she said. “We play Jenga every time and I always win.”
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Makayla’s mom, Sharon Irwin, is glad that the camp offers her daughter the same summer fun opportunities as her siblings.
“Her twin sister does many programs during the summer, as does her brothers, so it gives her the chance to do that. Also just mingle and be a kid really,” Irwin said.
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These summer programs for low income families give the kids an experience they will never forget. From getting to be active outdoors to learning new arts and crafts, low income summer day camps give children the opportunity to have a vacation all their own.andnbsp;
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