By Heather Graves
Correspondent
ASHWAUBENON – Summer camp is offered for a wide variety of interests – there is band camp, football camp, church camp and even math camp – but what about children with disabilities who may not be able to attend these camps?
For more than three decades, the Summer Special Children’s Program in Ashwaubenon has been the niche for those children.
The program is a joint effort between the Ashwaubenon School District and the Ashwaubenon Parks and Recreation department.
It provides a spot for children that might not have the opportunity to go to camp otherwise.
“Our summer school mission is simple – we provide students with disabilities opportunities in the community,” said April Rogalski, program head teacher.
Rogalski has been heading up the program for 14 years.
Along with her sister Susie Rogalski, four assistant teachers and countless volunteers, the team provides an eight-week long experience that allows children to experience some fun, inclusive and unforgettable activities.
Fourteen students, ages 6 to 19, with a wide variety of disabilities, participated in this year’s program.
The children took part in several field trips throughout the summer – including swimming, bowling, mini-golf, a trip to Bay Beach, a trip to the zoo, strawberry picking, a trip to Mulberry Lane Farm, craft projects and more.
Those involved in the camp do whatever they can to make sure participants have the opportunity to actively participate in all activities and engage in social interaction.
April Rogalski is a special education teacher with the Green Bay School District, and said being a part of the Summer Special Children’s Program fuels her for the upcoming school year.
“This program charges us, it super charges us for the fall,” she said. “We never take things for granted. It keeps us grounded. And we just thank you for letting us have fun with your kids.”
More than 100 students, teachers, assistant teachers, volunteers and families came together Wednesday, Aug. 7, at D2 Sports Pub Stadium District in Ashwaubenon for their end-of-the-year wrap-up party, complete with a sit-down dinner, DJ, an end-of-the-year video, skits and artwork display.
April Rogalski said the program would not be as successful as it is without the help from all its supporters.
“Thank you for being passionate and wanting to be a part of this program,” she said.
It is clear the folks behind the Summer Special Children’s program are passionate about providing a sense of normalcy, and the opportunity to just have fun.
At the end of the day, the camp is about one main thing – providing students with disabilities opportunities in the community. And it’s evident these children will hold onto the memories they make at camp for years to come.
“We are like one big, happy family – these are all my brothers and sisters and (the teachers) are all like my other moms,” said camp participant Joey.
Another student said he feels the same way.
“I am so happy here, you make me happy, the staff makes me so happy, I am so happy that my heart is filled and all the way through the whole school year I think about you until I see you next summer,” said camp participant Matt.