September / October 2005
Volume 23, Number 5

One of the best kept secrets in this area is a great camp in Vermont for kids and adults with disabilities. The second annual “Down Right Special Family Retreat” for families of children and adults with Down syndrome was held the weekend of August 25-28 at Camp Thorpe in Goshen. Pat Ruth, Michele Boucher, and I decided to give it a try, along with our kids. The weekend included a cabin and food for a family of four from Thursday dinner through Sunday’s breakfast. We weren’t disappointed!

    A hayride Thursday night began the weekend’s activities, followed by a campfire and s’mores. Friday’s activities included sports, fishing, and arts and crafts. There was some free time after lunch and swimming in a very large pool. A magic show in the evening was followed by a campfire and more s’mores.  On Saturday, parents attended a fabulous presentation by JoAnn Simons, on transitioning from school to the adult world. (Editor’s note: JoAnn will be presenting at the Aim High conference in April, 2006.) Our final evening included music and dancing (needless to say we had many on the floor!), followed by a campfire, s’mores, and talking late into the night. After Sunday breakfast, goodbyes were said to our many new friends, several of whom live in southern Vermont and don’t have a local group like Aim High.

    The caliber of people running this camp and the facilities are great.  In addition to the Retreat, Camp Thorpe offers three two-week sessions, and one one-week session each summer. Everything is handicap accessible and there is one counselor for every three campers.  Now we’re thinking seriously of sending Amanda, Anne, and Jonathan there next summer!

For more information on Camp Thorpe, check out www.campthorpe.org!