Camp Woodchuck, Rainbows’ summer camp for school-aged children with special needs, is in full swing! After three summers of in-home Camp due to Covid-19, we are excited to be back at Kids’ Cove! Camp is important to Rainbows’ youth and their families. “It means a lot to me that Carlos has a regular kid plan,” said Ana, Carlos’ mother. His favorite parts about Camp are the people. “It’s very important for Carlos to be around different adults and meet new kids,” said Ana. “He also has many old friends. He has grown up with the kids at Camp. Everybody knows Carlos.”
Fifty-nine Campers are ready for a summer filled with activities, field trips and camaraderie. The youth are ready to Shake, Rattle and Roll (this summer’s camp theme) with a sock hop, Grease Day, crafts centered around records and the jukebox, plus much, much more.
Rainbows’ Campers will take field trips to Sedgwick County Zoo, Botanica, Exploration Place, Sedgwick County Park, Great Plains Nature Center, Club Rodeo, and several Splashpads. They will also experience a Wichita WindSurge Stadium Tour and a trip to McConnell Air Force Base, to name a few.
Field trips and events offer Campers the opportunity to build confidence, practice social skills and share their unique talents as they meet new “friends”, including volunteers, community partners, families, and friends.
Youth and staff are very excited for the return of the Camp Carnival, Spa Day, and Talent, Fashion and Art Shows. Choir is another favorite activity for Campers. Campers will perform for community partners at their businesses. This year’s song list features “Best Day of My Life” by Kidz Boys, Bill Haley’s “Rock Around the Clock”, and “This is Me” from The Greatest Showman.
Veteran Camper Lilly’s favorite parts of Camp are the Talent Show and Fashion Show where she can share her love of fashion and her talents for singing and dancing. “When Lilly started attending Camp, she was very shy,” said Beatriz, Lilly’s mother. “Now she speaks more and is confident and everybody notices.”
