Children's Hospital holds summer camp for kids with special needs

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) - Some very special kids are getting a chance at summer camp this week.

East Tennessee Children's Hospital puts on the Donald M. Gally summer camp for kids with special needs every year.

"Basically we are just an opportunity for kids with varying levels of abilities to come out and enjoy summer camp just like everybody else would,"

said Camp Coordinator Deidra Seiber.

Each one of the kids faces different challenges, but they all find companionship with other kids.

The camp is tailored to meet their every need.

"We have a staff RN who's here with us all throughout camp. I'm a physical therapist assistant. All of our staff is trained in special education, early childhood intervention,"

Seiber said.

It gives them an escape and a chance to have a little extra summer fun while maybe expanding their horizons just a little.

"These kids overcome so much, and we have a lot of kids who come to camp and for the first time ever they may have gotten into a swimming pool,"

Seiber said.

They do not have to worry about fitting in. They just get to be kids.

"You can't work around these kids every day or play around these kids every day and not walk away with a smile plastered on your face,"

Seiber said.

The camp runs for two weeks every summer. This week is for kids ages five to nine. Next week is for kids ages 10 to 14.