July 16, 2004

CSUS program lets kids with
disabilities experience summer camp

Youths with disabilities – often left out of traditional summer camps because of the nature of their disabilities – will get a chance at that summertime rite of passage this month when California State University, Sacramento again puts on a summer camp created especially for them, July 19-23 and July 23-29.

Over the two weeks, nearly 50 10- to 22-year olds will attend the fifth Water Adventures in Varied Environments, or WAVE, Camps. WAVE campers will hit the water at the CSUS Aquatic Center at Lake Natoma, 1904 Hazel Ave. in Rancho Cordova, on campus at the CSUS swimming pool near the residence halls, and at Stillwater Ranch.

WAVE Camp was created by CSUS kinesiology professor Scott Modell to optimize fitness and social opportunities for young people with disabilities. The camp provides pre-teens and teens with disabilities like spina bifida, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury and muscular dystrophy lifelong skills and positive attitudes toward water activities, Modell says.

Under the supervision of CSUS students, community members and paid staff the campers will participate in numerous water sports including swimming, scuba diving, sailing, water-skiing, kayaking and canoeing. And like traditional camps, they’ll have evening activities such as skits and dances. At night, the campers will stay in the residence halls at CSUS.

The popular camp is nearly sold out. To register, contact Steve Hornesy at (916) 277-2340.
WAVE Camp is operated by CSUS; City of Sacramento Parks and Recreation, Access Leisure Section; United Cerebral Palsy and Disabled Sports USA.

More information is available by contacting the CSUS public affairs office at (916) 278-6156.

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