May 24, 2024, The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) is excited to host its 15th annual Camp Buddy summer camp for Effingham County, scheduled for June 10-13 at Blandford Elementary School and various locations in Rincon for community-based learning opportunities.

Camp Buddy is designed for children of all ages with Down syndrome, helping them retain their accomplishments and prepare for the upcoming school year. The curriculum, developed by special education teachers and therapists, aims to provide a comprehensive and engaging experience.

Elementary school children will attend morning sessions at Blandford Elementary, where they will receive one-on-one occupational, physical, and speech therapy. In addition, they will enjoy games, arts, and crafts with educational elements. The younger group will meet at Blandford Elementary from Monday through Thursday.

Middle school participants will also receive therapies while working on projects such as preparing bags for Backpack Buddies and teacher appreciation gifts. These activities aim to help them advance in challenging academic areas.

This year, older campers will begin their experience with an overnight stay on June 9, focusing on life skills and community service projects. High school campers will participate in afternoon sessions, engaging in activities like volunteering at local food and clothing pantries, and a grocery shopping trip to learn budgeting and healthy meal planning. They will also develop occupational and life skills by preparing meals in the kitchen. An overnight stay will further promote independent living skills. This group will also partake in fun physical activities within the community.

“Our 15th annual Camp Buddy is here! It offers an incredible opportunity for amazing individuals with Down syndrome or similar chromosomal abnormalities to receive essential physical, occupational, and speech therapies. By working closely with each camper, we aim to maintain the progress made during the school year and tackle specific academic challenges to prepare them for the upcoming school year,” said Camp Buddy director, Molly Marchese.

Throughout the camp, therapies are cleverly integrated into games and activities, promoting health, wellness, and community service among all campers.

To register for the Effingham County Camp Buddy, contact Molly Marchese at [email protected] or 912-213-9127.

Camp Buddy is sponsored by the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society, made possible through the generosity of the community, friends, and families of LDSS, and events such as the Buddy Walk and Night of Champions. For more information about LDSS, visit www.ldssga.org.