WDBJ7 Roanoke News and Weather NRV Lynchburg Danville | The need for summer camps for children and adults with special needs

The need for summer camps for children and adults with special needs

The sudden closing of Camp Virginia Jaycee is a big deal for some parents.

That's because there are few summer camps equipped to accommodate children and adults with special needs.

Camp Easter Seals Virginia serves a similar population to Camp Virginia Jaycee.

We found parents willing to travel several hours, so there children could come here.

Every year, Kelly Lamp looks forward to Camp Easter Seals Virginia. Her 12 day trip is the only time she's away from her parents.

"I liked it," said Kelly.

Not only does Kelly get to have fun and gain some independence, her parents also get a break.

"Especially when you have a special needs child you just don't have the opportunity to do this kind of thing all that often, so we really look forward to that every summer," said Lamp.

Every year more than 400 children and adults come here.

"Finding camps is difficult for kids like my son," said Caren Page.

Her son Andrew has autism. Even though he doesn't talk, she's knows this camp is good for him.

"When I came to pick him up he didn't want to come with me, so I knew he had a great time." said Page.

"We try to provide a typical camp experience, anything from swimming and canoeing, to climbing wall, to horse back riding," said Camp Director Alex Barge.

This was six year old Angel's first summer.

"It made a difference she's even talking more, so it's made a difference," said Kerry Dawson, Angel's mother.

And when it came to time say goodbye, Angel had lots of love to go around.

A reminder to Camp Easter Seals Virginia why camps like this are so important.

Camp Easter Seals has tried accommodate some of those who missed out at Camp Virginia Jaycee.