Organizers of a summer camp program for mentally impaired children and adults are looking for counselors and campers to participate in the camp’s two one-week sessions in July.
Special Camps for Special Citizens Inc., a 2-year-old organization designed to give impaired people the opportunity to experience camping, needs several volunteer male counselors for sessions beginning July 14.
It also has openings for several girls up to age 18 for the first week’s children’s camp and for two adult women for its second session.
Campers also could use additional nursing help and, perhaps, a drama coach.
Founder Reed Callahan said counselors must be at least 16 years old and willing to remain at the Hoover Outdoor Education Center, a Boy Scout camp near Yorkville, throughout at least one weeklong session.
Callahan said backgrounds of all potential workers are checked thoroughly.
“We have to be real careful with the attitudes because our campers can pick up a bad habit real quick, maybe one that can take as much as three years to correct.”
Although the camp is subsidized by donations from public and private organizations, Callahan said campers are asked to pay $50 to register and $50 to camp.
Last year about 60 campers took advantage of the chance to camp and 117 volunteers spent a week helping them, but this year, Reed expects at least 80 campers and more volunteer help.
For more information, call 708-620-8154.