ARC camp helps children learn as well as play

When Anthony Addison was diagnosed with autism at age 4, his speech was limited and almost nonverbal.

But his mother, Lisa Addison, said that over the years and through the helpful programs for Saturday Friends and the summer camp at the ARC, she's noticed big changes in how he interacts with others.

Anthony now is 15 and has grown to love fishing and engaging in water activities during the ARC's summer camp.

"He's artistic and he likes to draw, and they have a lot of crafts, too" Addison said. "He's grown a lot in his speech and his socialization."

The organization is affiliated with Operation Sunshine, an Observer-Dispatch charity that helps provide kids with the chance to attend summer camp.

The summer program gets Anthony moving and gives him different play options during the day with other kids, something crucial to skill development.

Without the program, Anthony "doesn't spend a lot of time outside," Lisa Addison said.

For his mother, it's a relief to have him "do outdoor activities and knowing that he's with staff that I know and trust. The staff treats these kids like they're part of their family. The thing is about camp is, it's not just only for kids with special needs, it's also for typical kids who are siblings, too."

OPERATION SUNSHINE

Goal: To raise $65,000 to help families in need send their children to summer camp.

Agencies: ARC of Oneida/Lewis Counties; Boy Scouts, Revolutionary Trails; Catholic Charities-Oneida/Madison Counties; Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathway Inc.; Kamp Kiwanis; Neighborhood Center; Salvation Army of Utica; Thea Bowman House; the Kelberman Center.

How to donate: Online at www.opsun.org; use the donation coupon on this page; mail your gift to: Operation Sunshine, 221 Oriskany Plaza, Utica, NY 13501; or call Michele Howgate at 315-792-5003 to make a credit card donation.