Why a Family Camp
An Idea is Born – A Need Addressed
The idea and need for a resident camp for individuals and their families was originally conceived in June 1992. Research soon indicated the need for such a program, showing that no other experience of this type was offered anywhere in the world. It was found that, because parents of children with Down syndrome are reluctant to send their child to camp alone, and since most resident camps do not directly serve families, the majority of individuals with Down syndrome have rarely had a camp experience. Camp Many Stars is the first and only camp of its kind among all the camps in the world..
A Tried and Proven Idea
During the summer of 1996 a family camp experience was piloted for families of children with Down syndrome that proved very successful. At the invitation of the Aspen Grove Family Camp, owned and operated by Brigham Young University Alumni Association, Provo, Utah, The Joy of Downs arranged for twenty-six families to experience a five-day family camp. At the conclusion of this experience, all of the families expressed a desire to have this type of experience available on an on-going basis. These families verified that there is a tremendous need to have such a camp specifically for individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
What Families are Saying
Actual written statements of parents attending pilot camp
“We liked the activities where the families worked together and got to know each other. We had a great time talking to and learning from other families with children with Down syndrome. Our older children didn’t feel different because there were so many others with brothers and sisters with Downs. We didn’t feel like our child with Down syndrome was unwanted or unwelcome. Everyone treated him so kindly. It will be fun to go to meetings and conferences and see the friends we have made at camp. We look forward to having an opportunity to go to camp again.”
“We loved it, and especially the opportunity for our daughter, age ten, to meet and have a best buddy also with Down syndrome, age ten, from another community.”
“It took me two days to wind down, then it was the best vacation in America we have had. I would go every year. Thank you for the experience. This was the best thing that has happened to our marriage.”
“I think there is a need because so many positive experiences resulted: mainly support and friendship. It was a beautiful experience. People who participate will have experiences that last and sustain a lifetime.”
“Our experience was especially meaningful for our other children, who were able to see and meet other siblings and children of all ages with Down syndrome.”
“Our experience at camp was not only wonderful and unforgettable for our entire family, but it was a first time experience. It was a life enriching experience. The benefits gained by the child with Down syndrome and his family are immeasurable, much more than a lot of the government and community programs that are already operating to assist the handicapped and their families. Why couldn’t some of these funds be diverted to a more worthy and beneficial cause such as this family camp?”
