Published: July 04, 2009 09:26 pm      

Camp invites people with intellectual impairments

Camp Believe is the area’s first-ever summer camp for teenagers and adults with intellectual impairments. The camp will be Aug. 10-14 at the Fayette County 4-H site.

The founder of Camp Believe, Bethany Rose, said because it is the first year, it can only accept campers who are on a somewhat higher functioning level. Rose asks that potential campers be able to use the restroom, shower and eat — for the most part — on their own. However, a full-time nurse will be on site who can treat injuries and administer medications.

The camp will attempt to provide a sense of normalcy to those struggling with intellectual impairments. Campers will have the opportunity to go swimming, interact with horses and listen to a professional story teller. Rose said, “Most importantly, they can do things in a safe environment that in a normal setting they may not be able to try. Everyone deserves a chance to go to camp, and we are going to make it possible.”

Camp Believe was inspired by Chris, a man with Down syndrome, whom Jason and Bethany Rose met in youth group as teenagers. The Roses view the camp as a way to give back to Chris’ family as a tribute to him and others who have impacted the world around them.

Rose said the camp is also inspired by a facility called Camp Barnabas out west that focuses on children with cancer, amputated limbs, blood disorders, blindness and other disabilities or impairments.

Camp Believe is a part of Spoken Choice Ministries, a Christian nonprofit ministry that has a governing board of directors made up of professionals from West Virginia and Virginia.

The sign-up date for Camp Believe is July 18 from 10 a.m. to noon. There is a $10 registration fee that will be due on that date, and the cost of the camp is $150. FMRS Health Systems Inc. will be assisting with the camp fee for all those who qualify.

Camp Believe is also being funded by several corporate sponsors, and a group of fourth-graders is selling lemonade to help support the cause. The sign-up will be hosted by Spirit and Truth Ministries located at 100 Main St., Oak Hill. Registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

Rose says she hopes to bring in camp counselors who want to do something to give back. She added, “Nothing has ever been done like this before in our state, that I know of. Most people do not want to take on something like this, but we are anxious and honored.”

Her goal for next year is to extend the camp length to two weeks, and hopes that campers will actually begin to come in from other states.

For more information or for camper registration, contact Bethany Rose at 304-890-4435.

— E-mail: cclark@register-herald.com