In Apopka, a unique summer camp is making waves for its inclusive approach to serving children with behavioral, developmental, and physical disabilities.
Senior Director Faye Murphy leads the charge at Camp Thunderbird, where all adults and children can experience the joys of summer camp in a supportive and adaptive environment.
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Founded in 1969, the camp is part of Quest, an organization providing multiple services for people with developmental disabilities in order for them to experience a full life.
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“We encourage children without disabilities to participate as well, just so they can learn about individual’s developmental disabilities in their lives, that they’re not different from anybody else,” Murphy said.
This vision has guided the camp’s development into a place where every child’s abilities are celebrated.
From arts and crafts to low ropes courses, the camp offers a variety of tailored activities.
“Our job is to get creative and try to figure out a way for all of our individuals to participate,” Murphy said.
The mission to have all campers participate in group activities led Camp Thunderbird to its next long-term goal, a fully accessible low ropes course.
“It’s a lot of fundraising, finding vendors, inspections, and research,” Murphy said.
While staffers work diligently to complete accessibility projects, they ensure all campers feel included in the meantime.
“[People who can’t participate in physical activities] can help us facilitate, maybe make it into a competition, they can give out scores,” Murphy said.
These activities ensure that everybody, regardless of their needs, can participate and thrive.
Staff members at the camp undergo extensive training to support people with diverse needs.
“All of our team members go through first aid and CPR training,” Murphy said. “We have team members who are trained to do medication administration and nutritional and physical management. If people need certain textures for their food and brain, our team is trained on how to do that, or if campers need to be transferred safely from a wheelchair to their bed.”
This training is crucial for providing the best care and support.
The camp makes an important impact not just on the campers, but on the friends and family who care for them, creating a supportive environment for everyone.
“Camp Thunderbird really does give loved ones the opportunity to have a vacation or to just have downtime,” Murphy said. “They may just stay at home and read a book or two in a week. That’s really, really important.”
Murphy said Camp Thunderbird is always looking for help, whether that be in donating your money or your time. You can help Camp Thunderbird add to their scholarship fund here, or sign up to volunteer for their next camp event here!