That’s a wrap for the first half of summer 2023!
We kicked off the summer season this June with Muscular Dystrophy Camp, KOTA 1 Camp and KOTA 2 Camp!
Each group had the opportunity to participate in archery, swimming, sports, canoeing, ziplining, fishing and more, aided by our staff and volunteers. At the end of each session, we host a closing ceremony to spotlight each camper and honor the staff who make our programs possible. Each camper loved their specialized award, given by their cabin leaders.
Below are some highlights from the first three weeks of summer camp!
Muscular Dystrophy Camp (June 11-16)
Muscular Dystrophy Camp, designed for campers ages 8-17, was an absolute blast. Muscular Dystrophy takes away a key muscle repair protein which can hinder physical function, so having the means to make a fun week comfortable and safe is top priority.
A big way that we accomplish this is by offering accessible activities. Even our zipline is designed for everyone in mind with a comfortable specialty seat that helps our campers fly through the air! In addition, we were excited to introduce a new activity – disc golf. Our disc golf course recently found a new home on campus, and the Muscular Dystrophy campers got to try it out for the first time!
At Camp Aldersgate, we also love to fish! Arkansas Game and Fish visited at the beginning of the week and donated over 200 pounds of spectacular catfish, bass, and bream. Lake Aldersgate is now well-stocked, with many great catches documented the last few weeks.
Thank you to the Muscular Dystrophy Association for providing funding for our campers this week!
“I am so thankful that my daughter went to camp! It was her first time, and I was more than impressed by how she did, and how well the camp ran. She rated it a 160/10.”
– Camper Parent
KOTA 1 Camp (June 18-23)
KOTA 1 and KOTA 2 Camp were an absolute success!
“Kota” means “friend” in Quapaw and symbolizes the inclusivity of these camps. KOTA Camps are an opportunity for campers ages 6-26 to meet peers who share similar experiences. They are also open for campers with and without medical disabilities. Friends and siblings of campers are encouraged to join in on the fun, making this a unique opportunity.
Thank you, Junior League of Little Rock, for volunteering this week. Our campers made so many new memories!
KOTA 2 Camp (June 25-30)
For the first time ever, a camper caught the famous Lake Aldersgate albino catfish! An honorary mention was given to the camper during the Fishing Derby Awards.
We also welcomed some very important visitors during our KOTA Camps…the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Little Rock Field Office! It was quite an experience for the campers, leading to a mock investigation and fingerprint dusting exercise. Marshall, our Assistant Program Manager, was caught red-handed for stealing ice-cream on multiple accounts! With the FBI’s help, the campers brought him to justice.
To end the week, the KOTA award was given at each closing ceremony. This is a special award honoring a camper who embodies leadership and enthusiasm. Known as a friend to all, one camper from each KOTA camp was selected because of their accomplishment and inspiration to other campers.
“My little camper wanted to come back before we left. We are always going to do a summer week with all of you truly amazing people.”
– Camper Parent
Thank you to all who make our summer camps possible including our donors, hardworking volunteers, counselors, MedCamps of Arkansas, Inc., Junior League of Little Rock, Arkansas Children’s, Federal Bureau of Investigation – Little Rock Field Office and the Harding University College of Pharmacy. We are looking forward to the rest of summer 2023 as we welcome campers for Spina Bifida week, CAAKBO Camp, Diabetes week, and KOTA 3 Camp!
Make sure to follow us on social media to see what we’re up to this summer!
