Mulberry Creek Community Center is hosting the Elsie Conde Camp, which is funded, supported and managed by volunteers. The camp takes place from 9:00-12:00 daily and is among the services offered by the Hall County parks system.
The camp was started by Claire Maddox in memory of her special needs grandchild who lived a very short life.
Maddox says she realized the need for cost-efficient programs for children with special needs in the county. It is now in its third year of partnership with Hall County Parks & Leisure Services. Children are greeted first thing in the morning by their camp partner to sing, play sports, participate in games and develop new friendships.
There is no cost for the camp, as volunteers assist with raising the funds to offset all camp expenses.
Mulberry Creek Community Center Facility Manager Marci Summer says a second session is planned next month for older children, provided the community center survives as the county looks for ways to deal with an $11.5 million budget shortfall. One of the things under consideration is the closing of several parks and community centers.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2011/6/239655