Central Region Partners with Wonderland Camp to Assist Individuals with Disabilities

As we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October, we wanted to highlight an exciting partnership that took place this past summer.

The Central Workforce Development Region partnered with Vocational Rehabilitation, braiding funding to support students with disabilities with a paid work experience opportunity to be interns at Wonderland Camp in Rocky Mount, MO.

The interns were allowed to choose from working with the camp counselors, taking care of campers with disabilities, working in the kitchen, or doing laundry. All four decided to work with the campers.

Wonderland Camp hosts 60-100 campers with disabilities each week, ranging in age from 6 to 89.

“The interns learned a lot about different disabilities,” said Jill Wilke, Wonderland Camp Executive Director. “They worked as a team, providing adaptable activities, communicating with people who may not be able to speak, and how to give our campers the time of their lives.”

Wonderland Camp has all sorts of activities, including a pool, a 40-foot rock climbing wall, a tight rope bridge, a giant swing, archery, a BB gun range, fishing, pontoon boats, paddle boats, dances, talent shows, arts and crafts, music, and of course campfires and smores.

The interns worked, played, and lived with the staff and campers. They had fun, worked very hard, and made a difference in the lives of others. By the end of the summer, each intern’s confidence and independence grew.

Wonderland Camp provided a weekly leadership session for the interns and camp staff helped them grow and learn new skills.

“It was a great summer full of unforgettable experiences,” said Wilke.