Camp Joyful Soles Opens Registration

MILTON, GA -- The city of Milton has opened registration for Camp Joyful Soles, a summer camp dedicated to serving special needs children ages 13 to 22.

Milton's Camp Joyful Soles is held at Hopewell Middle School and offers unique, age-appropriate programming. It's also held in partnership with Alpharetta's Camp Happy Hearts, a similar special needs summer day camp serving children ages six to 12 years.

"We're committed to offering diverse programs that meet the needs of all our residents," said Jim Cregge, Milton's director of recreation and parks. "By working with Alpharetta, we can serve special needs residents of all ages."

Camp Joyful Soles is open to Milton residents and non-Milton residents. The seven-week program starts on June 7 and ends July 28, closing for the week of July 4 each year. The cost for Milton and Alpharetta residents is $175 per week and $262.50 per week for non-residents.

This small, specialized camp is limited to 25 participants per week and offers arts and crafts; games; music; art and drama therapy; special guests; field trips; and swimming once per week.

Parents and guardians may register for all seven weeks or select the number of weeks needed.

For complete registration details, visit the camp's website.

"Ben really enjoys camp because it gives him an opportunity to participate locally in fun activities, crafts and field trips with area peers," said Gayle Carlson, mother of camp participant Ben Carlson. "As a parent, I love seeing him engaged socially and enriched physically, intellectually and artistically over the summer."

All children, regardless of their abilities, can benefit from the structure and positive interactions provided by a summer camp program. However, summer vacation often poses significant challenges for parents and guardians with a special needs child.

"This is one of our favorite programs," said Parks and Recreation Manager Tom McKlveen. "We're meeting a community need, but honestly, it's just as rewarding for our camp staff as it is for the campers."

Milton is currently hiring camp staff including supervisors, lead counselors and camp counselors for the 2017 session. Interested applicants should send a letter of interest along with their resume to recruiter@cityofmiltonga.us.

During 2016, Camp Joyful Soles served 38 children, weekly camps can accommodate up to 25 participants.

Milton is committed to promoting inclusion of persons of all abilities in every aspect of community life through education, advocacy and informed public policy. As part of that commitment, Milton created the Milton Disability Awareness Committee (MDAC), whose members take the lead in educating the general public, city staff and area businesses.

To learn more about MDAC, visit the Milton website.

Image via city of Milton