Camp Maple Leaf: where kids swim and play
By CAITLIN MULLEN
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The Monday-Thursday camp kicked off Monday and will run through July 29, from 8:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. each day.
Campers create arts and crafts, go swimming at the Hopkins Park pool, and do sports activities like kickball.
Camp Maple Leaf provides an opportunity for all children to play and interact together. The youngest camper is 4; the oldest is 22.
Some have disabilities, some don’t, but it’s a place where all can enjoy summer days together, Zeeh said.
“We don’t like to refer to the kids as having disabilities,” said Zeeh, who’s been involved with the camp for more than 25 years. “This is the seven weeks of their lives that we’re all the same.”
Seventy-four children are participating in the camp this year – the largest number since the camp broke away from the schools, Zeeh said – which was possible because of a donation that provided scholarships for some campers. KSRA incorporates DeKalb, Sycamore and Genoa park districts.
Zeeh stressed that the camp is open to all, and said they’ve never turned anyone away. It’s important to her that each child gets to experience camp and develop social skills.
“They may not have that opportunity, but every kid deserves to go to summer camp,” Zeeh said.
Kayla Puentes, 10, of Sycamore first attended the camp last year. She said she likes the variety of activities that are offered, listing bowling, swimming and kickball as her favorite parts of camp. Children of all abilities are encouraged to participate in whatever they are interested in and able to do.
Puentes said Thursday that she met one new person at camp this year, “but I have lots of friends here.”
Earlier this week, Zeeh said she was touched when she witnessed an autistic child helping a visually impaired volunteer at the playground. Many of the campers have matured during their years at camp, she added.
Camper A.J. Zaylik, 12, of DeKalb, who uses a wheelchair, said the camp allows her to see friends over the summer instead of sitting at home.
“It gets me out and moving,” Zaylik said.
