The WindReach Explorers Camp is a fully accessible and inclusive summer camp that integrates special needs and able-bodied students into an exciting summer programme. The WindReach summer camp came about as a result of a need for local summer activities for special needs children. By consulting with health professionals; special needs schools; individual teachers and parents of special needs children, WindReach developed a pilot Summer Camp programme for the summer of 2007. The pilot programme was an outstanding success and building on that success, WindReach is now operating an annual Explorers Summer Camp in August. The WindReach Summer Camp is one of the first in Bermuda to offer places to physically and intellectually challenged students and to include special needs counselors in the camp staff.

Please download and complete this form to apply to participate in our 2010 Summer Camp.

SUMMER CAMP 2010

The WindReach Explorers Camp will be held during the month of August on our 4 acre facility which includes our fully accessible Playground, Petting Zoo, and Sensory Trail, and an air conditioned Activity Center. Camp hours are 8am – 5:30pm. Each week the programme accommodates up to 50 children between the ages of 5 and 12, including up to 20 physically and intellectually challenged participants. The presence of a registered nurse at all times also attracts children with asthma and diabetes and our two qualified special needs counselors give parents the assurance that their children are in a programme that can meet their needs. We are also able to include children with minor disabilities such as behavioural or anger management issues who may have previously been excluded from mainstream summer camps and are able to benefit from an environment which recognizes special needs.

In 2009 three of our assistant counselors were also special needs individuals themselves. Our Explorer Camp has a history theme and investigate natural history and Bermuda history through fun hands-on activities. The camp is dividided into two age groups 5-8 years, and 9-12 years and has no more than 25 campers per group. To support our campers, there is a minimum of one adult and three student counselors per group, as well as the qualified nurse.

Able bodied campers benefit from interacting with special needs campers and learn of the challenges faced by special needs children and the special needs community as a whole. Our camp also offered the opportunity for siblings, one of whom is special needs and one able bodied, to attend a camp side by side.

OBJECTIVES
The objectives of our camp are:

* To provide an inclusive, accessible summer camp programme that will provide educational and recreational opportunities for children with special needs in a safe environment.

* To operate a programme that will lead to greater integration between the special needs community and the community at large.

* To provide a local alternative to caregivers who wish to send special needs children to summer camp

* To increase awareness of the challenges of individuals with special needs through integration.

* To provide information to other organisations who may wish to integrate special needs campers into mainstream summer camp programmes.

For more information, please contact Natasha Dowling at 238-2469, or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it