Local camp a bright spot for children with disabilities
Posted: 06.20.2012 at 1:19 PM

Children sing and play along to "The Wheels on the Bus" at Camp Sunshine

 / Colby Gallagher
Photo

ALBANY, GA --
Children sing songs, complete puzzles, and go down slides - which may seem like your average activities - but Camp Sunshine is no ordinary play space.

"We specialize in the care of children with autism, pervasive developmental disorders, significant developmental delays, and similar disabilities," said Preschool Director, Leigh Ann McGalliard

Children from ages two to ten spend a month coming to the Advocacy Resource Center to learn things that may seem average to the typical person, but they mean a lot more to a child with disabilities.

"We're here to teach them the correct and appropriate way, that society sees, for a child to act in those situations," said Education Director, Sonia Prescott.

Although this camp teaches its children how to act appropriately in public, workers say it's also important for people without disabilities to understand where these kids are coming from.

Pointing or staring while a child is having what is known as a meltdown only makes things worse, so experts say the best advice is to walk away.

"If you just walk on and let the mother handle it because sometimes if you're involved, that attention makes a child even become more upset," said Prescott.

While these children have their ups and downs, Camp Sunshine is a bright part in their day to have fun while learning the tools necessary to live a healthy life.

"It's fun but like I said, we're also incorporating all of these skills while we're there and they love being here. It's just a fun place," said McGalliard.

Related Links