Contact:
Minka van der Zwaag
Supervisor Recreation Programs
650-463-4953
minka.vanderzwaag@cityofpaloalto.org

Summer’s Excellent Adventures
Many favorite childhood memories are formed at summer camp.  Seeing old friends or making new ones, creating wacky craft projects, and having a favorite counselor.  These typical summer camp experiences are not always available for children with special needs.  That’s why the City of Palo Alto’s Recreation Division offers Summer’s Excellent Adventure, a month long camp for children ages 5-15 with special needs. 

Campers enjoy nature outings, crafts, games, playing outside, music and cooking projects.  They each team up with a youth volunteer who is their special buddy for the day to assist them as needed, whether that includes playing a game, helping with a craft project or pushing a wheelchair. This collaboration between camper and volunteer is one of the more unique elements of the camp.  It is not only a great for the campers, but a tremendous learning experience of compassion, empathy and understanding for the volunteers. A highlight of the camp is the talent show on the last day in front of staff, family and friends. Each camper, whatever their ability may be, has a special talent to share.