Welcome Back Camp Shriver! Summer of 2017

Camp Shriver, an inclusive sports camp, returns in the summer of 2017. Since it was founded in 2006, Camp Shriver has welcomed over 900 children and lives up to its mission: “… to bring children with and without disabilities together to provide opportunities for social and motor development, while promoting positive peer relationships among campers.”

Interview with Krista, a senior counselor at Camp Shriver

On July 6, Anny and I had the pleasure of interviewing one of Camp Shriver’s staff, Krista, a senior counselor, who shared with us her involvement in the program.

Much of Krista’s inspiration to be a part of this program came from her cousin, who had Down syndrome. It taught her the effects of learning disabilities and the importance of helping others. Mark Spolidoro, the program director, introduced her to Camp Shriver when they worked at the same public school in Boston.

Mark, director of camp shriver

Returning for the third year, Krista continues to engage kids and help make fun ways to get them out of their shells. She is interested in physical health disparities in kids with disabilities and those without disabilities. She loves to encourage kids to be active; that way, everyone can feel included.

Krista explained a simple, yet effective way of getting students to know each other: interactive name-game versions of popular kids games like “Duck, Duck, Goose”, which I found to be very interesting. Kids get to know one another after they catch the “goose” by sharing names, hobbies, etc.

She believes that the kids are at just the perfect age to become confident, caring, and sociable—it is the age where they need it the most so they can always carry it with them.

I am excited to further witness the wonders of this year’s Camp Shriver summer.