KINSMAN - More than 30 years ago, the Sunshine Camp was started to provide recreational summer activities for special-needs adults.
That camp continues today and is among those offered at Joseph Badger Meadows.
Sarah Bender and Townsend Smith, co-directors of the Sunshine Camp, said special-needs adults are learning about nature and what it is like to be at camp.
The camp provides various group recreational and learning activities for handicapped and special-needs adults.
Smith said the camp is designed to get participants outside.
Bender and Smith said there are only two camps being held this summer at Joseph Badger compared to far more in past years throughout the summer.
Smith said a Night Owl Camp was offered for children in first to seventh grades, which allowed day and night activities.
"We get the campers outside to swim, spray paint pillowcases, take part in scavenger hunts and Bible activities,'' he said.
Both camps were for one week from Sunday to Friday.
Bobby Kline,who has been part of the Sunshine Camp for 32 years, said his sister, Ruthanne Fritz, a retired teacher, started the camp. Kline said he enjoys helping the other campers to stay active and participate in the different events.
Smith said Kline is very good at getting the campers involved in the activities.
Bender said the Sunshine Camp has the campers involved in many hands-on learning and fun activities such as crafts.
"The camp experience gives them freedom," she said.
Stephen Landy of Hubbard said he has been to the camp for 25 years and enjoys the campfires.
Bender said because not enough students signed up for the high school-age camp, those who did became helpers at the Sunshine Camp working with the special-needs adults.
Sarah Davis of North Lima said she has found being a helper rewarding knowing she was helping others learn and have fun.