John Smith walked away from Clarkston SCAMP VIPS day last week with new insight into the organization and its mission.
And for Smith, it was personal.
SCAMP VIPS’Very Important Person to SCAMP’day was designed to give supporters of the six-week summer camp an inside look into the faces of the children it serves.
This year, about 275 special-needs kids made music and art, played games, practiced motor skills, swam, boated and fished, and went of field trips.
It’s a three-day-per-week experience, say SCAMP facilitators, the children would not otherwise have.
‘This is something else,? said Smith, father to a 4-year-old son with Down’s Syndrome’after a tour of the program left him struggling for what he called ‘the right words.?
‘It’s pretty special.?
Although he works as a senior mortgage consultant with Clarkston State Bank, Smith and his family live in Fenton and aren’t too familiar with SCAMP.
But since his employer is one of SCAMP’s many staunch supporters, Smith took his VIPS invitation and drove to Clarkston Junior High, where the camp is held, to see for himself.
‘My wife and I enrolled our kids in a private school,? he said, explaining his fear other children would ridicule his 4-year-old, or give his older son a hard time because his brother is different. ‘Kids can be so mean.?
But SCAMP advocate Donna Clancy, who is the organization’s executive director of fundraising, believes the camp’s 33-year history has helped young people understand that ‘different? doesn’t mean ‘lesser-than.?
Every summer, the camp employs a large number of teen counselors, and accepts up to 50 volunteers.
‘These kids have a whole different outlook,? said Smith. ‘I’ve never seen anything like it; there’s a whole different level of acceptance for people who are different. To see kids this age participate is overwhelming.?
Smith and other VIPS watched as mainstream adolescents and special-needs kids worked and played together.
The large number of staffers allows for plenty of one-on-one attention; piggyback rides, hand-holding and gentle guidance keeps SCAMPers directed and on task, but still having fun.
‘This was a phenomenal day,? said Clancy after games were packed up, treats were put away and kids were heading for their busses. ‘You know how they say a picture’s worth a thousand words? Well, a visit’s worth a million.?
Clancy said that while the community unfailingly contributes to the organization through donations and fund-raising events, many supporters have never seen SCAMP come to life each summer.
‘Our goal for today was to thank people who support SCAMP,? she said. ‘We want them to come out and see where that support is going. It’s an amazing place.?
What some don’t realize, she said, is that the benefit of attending SCAMP does not belong to SCAMPers alone.
Students wishing to work at SCAMP must first volunteer for at least a year, and volunteers are asked to show up every day of camp for the entire six weeks’no exceptions, no excuses.
‘SCAMP is wonderful for SCAMPers,? she said. ‘And it’s better for their parents. But SCAMP is best for the kids who work here.?
Come the first of August, she said, a lot of sad teenagers will have to say goodbye to a memorable and meaningful place’until next year.