Acorn Buddy Camp is really two camps in one. First of all it is a United Methodist camp for children and young adults with physical challenges such as cerebral palsy, muscluar dystrophy, and spina bifida. Secondly, it is a leadership opportunity for high school and college students who volunteer to help by signing up as "buddies" to the campers. Each camper requires at least one buddy to assist with all of their physical needs. For every four to six persons there is an adult and/or "senior buddy" (an experienced buddy with several years of college). Acorn Buddy Camp was described as "magical", "a slice of heaven", "absolutely perfect", "an amazing experience" and "best week of the whole year" by those who attended last year. Those coming to serve found out they were the ones who were blessed. One buddy wrote "This camp has completely changed my life. I can’t begin to express what buddy camp means to me. Everything about this camp is absolutely beautiful...God does just unbelievable things here. The campers really are our teachers. The amount of love, compassion, and empathy is just fantastic." Another wrote "Camp has transformed my life. I have decided to major in special education because of how God has spoken to me through Acorn Camp. I also have a completely different idea of people with disabilities." A senior buddy sums it up by saying "Many of the people that come to camp demonstrate what it means to truly walk with Christ." The campers look forward to camp the whole year, and wear their camp shirts to school frequently. It is the one week they can experience outdoor activities adapted to their unique needs, and Christian worship in an atmosphere of love and acceptance. Due to the wheelchair accessibility requirements, this camp rents space at Widewater United Methodist Retreat Center in northern Ohio which is a barrier-free facility. Our camp’s costs are greater due to the high staff ratio, the number of buddies needed, purchase of medical & hygiene supplies, fees for evening programs, and unique equipment needs. But there is no more worthy investment than the life of a young person whose heart is touched by the love of Jesus.
Carol and Bob Snyder, Acorn Camp Volunteers

             Please also note that Outdoor and Retreat Ministries offers Summer Fun at Judson Collins and God’s Treasures at Lake Huron Retreat Center. These are summer events for mentally and physically impaired adults.

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