With a newly remodeled pool, the Summer 2022 No Limits Summer Camp was better than ever at The Arc of the Ozarks.
The smiles and fun kicked off on June 6. Each year, the camp welcomes young people ages 6 through 21 with Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, chromosomal disorders, and other physical or developmental disabilities.
According to Director of Education and Recreation Amy Holland and Assistant Director Liz Dressler, The Arc’s Timothy Grant Newport Activity Center pool officially reopened just in time for this summer’s camp. Staff and clients celebrated with a luau theme open house for everyone to swing by for a dip or grab a cupcake.
A More Accessible Swimming Experience for All
Thanks to a generous gift of $10,000 from the Sutherland Foundation, The Arc was able to complete a variety of necessary renovations before the start of summer camp.
The new remodel means our pool has been updated with a state of the art lift to improve accessibility for individuals with limited mobility in our community. That makes it easier for more people to enjoy the benefits of swimming and other water-based activities.
Perhaps the best part of all is that our pool is open and accessible for clients of The Arc and anyone else in our community who is looking for a great indoor pool. Open swim takes place Monday through Friday between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Increased Attendance for No Limits Summer Camp
This past summer, everyone was excited to get back to the way camp was before Covid – no restrictions, no masks, just kids being kids.
“This year we were able to increase our numbers to accommodate more campers and have more staff,” says Dressler. “We were able to do more indoor outings, fill our buses and hire bus drivers and have our end-of-session parties with a slideshow, food and families present.”
In July, campers enjoyed a visit from the friendly goats from Rafter C. Rodeo. Some of their favorite outings consisted of boat rides at Stockton Lake, Incredible Pizza, Republic’s Aquatic Center, and Wonders of Wildlife. Other activities included bowling and going to see a movie.
Fun, Friends & Learning Experiences
Our No Limits Summer Camp provides an enriching experience that promotes the educational and recreational interests of each camper. There are two 4-week camp sessions offered every summer from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Activities include field trips, games, arts, crafts, and of course swimming!
No Limit Summer Camp is more than just a chance to have some fun and make new friends. It also helps our campers stay on track toward their educational goals. Our staff helps each camper continue their Individualized Education Program (IEP) that was established during the school year, so that they can continue with the progress already made and keep them on track to have a successful start to the school year.
Every camper has personalized goals, and staff members chart their progress every day throughout the session. Camp activities build important skills including social skills, coping, and greater independence.
No Limits Summer Camp offers meaningful experiences for campers and staff alike. In fact, many of our campers have such a great time, they come back year after year for another summer of fun, memories, and growth. We begin accepting applications for the No Limits 2023 season on February 13, 2023. Space is limited, so apply early.
If you’d like to learn more about summer camp and other Education and Recreation programs at The Arc, contact us online or call 417-864-7887.
