OWINGSVILLE, Ky. (WKYT) – For 35 years, campers with intellectual disabilities have been attending the Special Needs Camp of Kentucky in Bath County.

It’s a tradition that brings smiles and joy every single year. Camp will be happening later this month, and to say campers are excited is an understatement!

“I’ve been going to camp for a long time,” said Tristian Santana.

Santana has been attending camp for 15 years.

“To be with friends,” said Santana. “We play games.”

Tristan isn’t the only one who has attended camp for many years. President of the Special Needs Camp of Kentucky Inc., Katelyn Harvey, has been helping since she was a little girl.

“My sister was born with Down syndrome, and I wanted to give her an opportunity that she wasn’t able to get,” said Harvey. “This is just something that I feel like I could give back to her and then also give back to the community.”

The camp is completely free for campers. This year’s camp will be from June 24th through the 28th.

63 campers will be coming to Owingsville from all over the state.

“One comes in all the way from Louisville, all the way down from West Liberty, Rowan County, Montgomery County, here we have Bath County, we have Menifee, Clark County,” said Harvey.

They’ll be going on field trips to the Space Science Center at Morehead State and the Morehead Cinema Movie Theater.

“We have arts and crafts, we do sensory activities,” said Harvey. “We have a big barnyard coming bringing animals like a petting zoo. We have a talent show.”

However, it’s more than just the activities that keep campers coming back.

‘It’s about building an inclusive environment and building a relationship with friends,” said Harvey.

While also having fun and making memories.

“And then on Friday, they always want to know when’s camp next year,” said Harvey.

They will also be hosting a talent showcase where you can watch the campers perform. That will be taking place on June 27 at 4:30 at Crossroads Elementary School.

The camp is funded solely through donations.

If you would like to donate, click here.

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