Summer Camp for All

The Department of Occupational Therapy at Idaho State University recently joined forces with local non-profit Eastern Idaho Down Syndrome Family Connect to host a camp for individuals with disabilities, ages 5 to 105, on July 18-20. In its inaugural year, Summer Camp for All offered fun for all ages and all abilities with sports, obstacle courses, water games, crafts and even dancing. 

Students earning a master’s degree in occupational therapy from ISU assisted volunteers from Eastern Idaho Down Syndrome Family Connect at the camp, held at Christ the King Parish Hall in Idaho Falls. Eastern Idaho Down Syndrome Family Connect works to build a positive connection between individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and Eastern Idaho. 

Twenty students who have just completed the first year of the three-year OT program interacted with over 40 campers to learn more about them, their families, and share how occupational therapy can play a role in benefitting their day to day lives. 

Catie Canavan, clinical assistant professor and academic fieldwork coordinator for the OT program says occupational therapy has brought positive change at ISU in ways many would have never guessed. “We are so happy that OT students and faculty have been able to collaborate with ISU’s Disability Services to provide academic coaching to students with a disability, develop a plan to address their educational goals, help with disability accommodations, and provide training for job coaching,” Canavan says. “The Summer Camp for All is another way for students to receive real world experience in not only applying occupational therapy techniques and practices, but in understanding, providing support and connecting with individuals with disabilities and their families.” 

Amanda Henscheid, clinical assistant professor and assistant fieldwork coordinator at ISU says each camper had a unique experience that was fun for them. “Each camper was well supported at camp, with OT students, camp volunteers and parents and caregivers welcome to participate as well,” she explains. 

The OT students will also provide a bike riding training course to individuals with disabilities, called I Can Bike, in the spring.