Teens make summer truly special for local kids, adults

Eighty-five local teens make an annual camp experience exceptional for some 160 special-needs campers during camps from June 15 to 27 in Yorkville.

For 14 years, Special Camps, with a lot of help from its teen staff, has made extraordinary memories for the many children and adults with special needs who attend camp.

"They're not only volunteering to be a camper's best friend, buddy, coach for the week, many of them are taking time off from work, at a time when they can earn the most money -- summer vacation," said Colleen McDonald, founder and camp director. "Our teens deserve a lot of credit for the great humanitarian work they do here. Many have been coming to camp for 7 to 8 years," she added.

Some of those teens from the early years are now adult volunteers who still give their time and energy 14 years later, making the experience nothing short of excellent for campers, and life-altering for the teen volunteers.

"Many of our teen counselors have gone on to college to pursue degrees in special education, speech therapy, physical therapy, physicians, paramedics and other related fields," said McDonald. "Lilly Fator (of Sycamore), is one who has volunteered since age 14, and is now a teacher for the blind."

Camp made such an impact on Lilly's life, she asked if she could do more than just volunteer two weeks each summer, McDonald said.

She, with the help of other camp volunteers including the Daly family (Villa Park), recently hosted a second successful charity benefit ball for Special Camps, and will return to camp as an activity leader this year.

The desire to keep Special Camps in business is catching on. Joe Cavalco of Plano and Andy Hanson of Brookfield, who have both served at Special Camps for seven years, will host a charity flag football tournament 9 a.m. May 24 at Plano High School. The event will pit the local police and fire departments against one another on the field to earn bragging rights while raising money for camp. Special-needs volunteers will serve as assistant coaches, referees, broadcasters and sing the national anthem at the event. Admission is $2 and all proceeds will go to Special Camps. Both Cavalco and Hanson will return to camp this year to teach music and swimming.

"These exceptional teens make it possible for special campers to really enjoy their time here at camp," McDonald added. "We couldn't do it without them."