All your ‘quirks’ are welcome at Camp Kirk
Kids with learning disabilities have a place for summer fun
For Duncan Francis, summer fun is spelled "Camp Kirk."
It’s where kids with learning disabilities and other issues can have a blast with their friends and not be on the outside looking in because of their special needs. If not for Kirk, many of the children may not be able to attend camp.
“It’s fun,” says the 14-year-old, who is thrilled to be returning to Kirk for his third summer. “It was a bit nervewracking at first because I’d been to another camp which was unpleasant and not very friendly. Kirk wasn’t like that at all.”
The teen has his grandmother Nancy Francis to thank for discovering the camp, which welcomes kids from all over the world who have learning disabilities, attention-deficit disorders, high-functioning autism-spectrum disorders or incontinence. Kirk offers a safe place for children to make friends, socialize and have a good time camping in the great outdoors without being judged.
New campers are from the ages of 6 to13, while returning campers14 to16 years of age are part of the Teen Program, which Duncan will be joining this summer.
Along with catching up with old friends and making new ones, Duncan is looking forward to activities such as pottery, drama, martial arts and canoeing — and, of course, singing goofy songs around a blazing campfire.
“Everyone is very gentle and freespirited,” Duncan says, adding, “a good camp friend is someone that doesn’t mind your quirks, if you have learning disabilities.”
And then there’s the food — an important part of the camp experience for every growing boy and girl. (Who could resist a Spanish omelette served up for breakfast? Now that’s mighty fine camp grub.)
At the same time, young people hone their social and physical skills, learn to push their own boundaries and become more independent and self-assured.
His grandmother couldn’t be more pleased. She noticed the changes in Duncan after his initial camp adventure. “When he came back from camp the first summer, he had so much enthusiasm and was more open and willing to talk about what was on his mind,” says Francis, adding each year results in personal growth for her grandson.
“He talked about his learning disabilities and about understanding them.”
“Camp Kirk gives him a new lease on life. It’s wonderful and so are the people.”