Special needs kids learn how to scuba dive at Rotary Youth Camp of Northwest Florida

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. ( WMBB ) – Kids with developmental disabilities are breaking barriers at a Walton County camp.

Sunday was their first day of the week-long rotary youth camp.

Campers arrived in droves with their bags packed for the Rotary Youth Camp of Northwest Florida in DeFuniak Springs.

Nearly 40 kids signed up for this year, 19 boys and 17 girls.

Upon arrival after registration, each camper was assigned a volunteer staff member.

“They stay here on the premises. When they arrive, they are matched up with a counselor. So, they get one on one occasion during the whole week. So, they stay here on the premises, get three meals a day, all sorts of activities, physical activity. So, it’s just a fun environment. That they come in and we have a lot of repeaters as well,” Rotary Youth Camp of Northwest Florida Interim Executive Director John Lilly said.

During their stay, they get to participate in a wide range of sports and activities with the other campers.

“They’re going to be participating in archery. They’ll be playing in some of our exciting activities, such as gaga ball whole lot of fun. It will be doing nine squares. They’ll be doing four square. We have a volleyball court out here,” Lilly said.

For rainy days they do arts and crafts.

Sunday, campers were able to scuba dive in the pool and collect painted rocks from the bottom.
They even got to keep their favorite.

“First day they’re going to be participating in the exciting program called scuba in the pool. So basically, the day is check-in. And this afternoon after lunch, they’re going to be doing a little scuba diving in the pool,” Lilly said.

The camp is for people between the ages of 8 and 65.

Even better, the entire camp is free of charge.

“One of the things that I’ve noticed and that I was told before coming here is that when these kids like when you see them laugh, when you see a smile it’s very genuine because, like, you know, they’re having fun. So, whenever you get to see that, I’m like, it just brings a sort of happiness to me as well,” volunteer Elibern Varggens said.

All the volunteers said they’re coming back for next week’s camp.

The Rotary Club is looking to have more volunteers for next week’s camp.

To learn how to apply click here or here .

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