All about the kids

By JENNIFER MOONSONG
Glasgow Daily Times

GLASGOW June 26, 2008 05:22 pm

— Summer really is all about the kids, and CAMP T.J. is no exception.
“CAMP T.J. is all about giving kids a boost before school starts,” said Stephanie Smith, program coordinator at T.J. Samson Community Hospital. “We want them to have an environment they can grow in and know that they can succeed.”
CAMP (Children Always Making Progress) T.J. is hosted by the hospital’s rehabilitation department. The program is dedicated to helping preschool to high school children with special needs to strengthen their fine motor skills, gross motor skills, strength as well as endurance, coordination, handwriting, social skills and speech.
Sixty-three campers and 71 volunteers took part in the weeklong camp at Highland Elementary this week.
“We love to help the children to have fun,” Smith added.
On Wednesday, firefighters from the Glasgow Fire Department visited the camp. A demonstration with the fire trucks, an obstacle course, art class and a pool party were part of the day’s activities.
“It’s a great experience,” said Linda Veldman, an occupational therapist. Veldman has worked with CAMP T.J. for six years.
“It’s great to get them in this setting and see how they interact with their peers and others, and to know and understand them better. It’s a great help.”
Jodie Simmons, a speech therapist, agrees the experience is rewarding for both children and volunteers. “It’s fun and challenging,” she said.
J.D. Shadburne is a young volunteer whose heart is invested in what he does at CAMP T.J.
“It’s been a blast this week,” Shadburne said. “It is fun – chaotic at times – but you feel good inside for doing it.”

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