Getting into the groove at Camp Munroe

Approximately 200 campers and more than 200 volunteers are taking part in the Munroe-Meyer Institute’s Camp Munroe this summer as the camp celebrates its 34th year.

Camp Munroe, which runs for six weeks, is a recreational day camp program for children and youth, ages 2-and-a-half through 21, with developmental disabilities including autism, cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, spina bifida and/or genetic disorders.

Adam Hawyee of the Basement Dance Studio demonstrates dance moves to campers.

“We’re off to a great year,” said camp director Kelley Coutts. “We’re really excited. We have a lot of new people who joined us this summer, not only people from Omaha but people from other areas in Nebraska and also some people from out of state who are coming to camp this summer. So it’s really neat that we can provide services for kids all around.

“Our volunteer force has grown bigger this year,” she said. “We have new volunteers who hopefully we’re going to teach to become wonderful advocates as they get older and be able to provide great advocacy for individuals with developmental disabilities.”

Liam Bruckner, who has been coming to camp for seven years, said he is enjoying camp this year, especially swimming.

“They have really cool friends here,” he said.

Last week, campers and volunteers were treated to a performance by the Basement Dance Studio of Elkhorn. The camp brings in performers once a week during the six-week session, and the shows are always a hit with campers.

“We want to be able to provide everybody who comes to camp an opportunity to see what’s really out there in the community,” Coutts said. “Today we have some individuals doing breakdancing who actually have a studio in Elkhorn who would open their arms and their doors for children with developmental disabilities or physical disabilities.”

Basement Dance Studio owner Lynlee Medhi said she was happy to bring her performers to camp. Dancer Adam Hawyee led the demonstration, encouraging campers and volunteers to join in and show their own dance moves.

“We believe that music speaks universally to everybody,” Medhi said. “It’s important for kids to get out there. It’s exercise; it not only stimulates them physically but mentally as well. So we are excited to be here, so we can be a part of making them smile for five minutes or enjoy it for a whole day. Hopefully they take something home from it, as well.”