La Crosse Y starts special summer camp

School is out in most places, and it’s now the season for going to camp. 

A new day camp for young people and adults with disabilities has been started by the La Crosse YMCA.  The “No Boundaries Summer Camp” began activities this week. 

Organizer Briana Spicer at the Y says the staff is well-equipped to meet the needs of the campers who have signed up.

“Many of our staff come with backgrounds in recreation therapy, a school nurse, an adaptive PE teacher, so we’re really coming together with like minds and like missions when it comes to serving those with disabilities,” Spicer said.    

She expects that the camp activities also will include visits to the new All-Abilities Trane Park in La Crosse, which opened just last week.        

The YMCA says more than 15-hundred students in the La Crosse area have disabilities which might keep them from enjoying typical summer activities, like attending camp. 

The La Crosse Community Foundation provided a grant for the program. 

Foundation director Jamie Schloegel says the camp idea met several needs for people in the area.

“It’s serving a diverse population, it’s offering something right here in the community that didn’t exist otherwise,” says Schloegel.    

While many of the camp activities are based at the Y and its facilities, there are also opportunities for outdoor sports and other activities adapted to the needs of those with disabilities.