by Caleb Seney, Executive Director of MedCamps of Louisiana
The summer season continues at MedCamps of Louisiana as campers arrived Sunday at Camp Alabama in Choudrant for Camp Smiling Suns, a week created especially for young adults ages 17 to 21 living with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities. The camp provides a welcoming, fun-filled environment where participants can enjoy a traditional summer camp experience while building friendships, gaining confidence, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Throughout the week, campers have taken part in swimming, fishing, arts and crafts, music, outdoor recreation, team-building activities, and evening programs. Each activity is adapted to ensure every camper can participate, celebrate personal achievements, and enjoy the fun and fellowship that make MedCamps so special.
Camp Smiling Suns also marks the beginning of the second half of another exciting summer at MedCamps. During the first half of the season, MedCamps welcomed hundreds of campers from across Louisiana through several specialty camp programs, including Camp Kandoo for children ages 6-11 with intellectual disabilities, Camp Rolling Thunder for children with Spina Bifida/Muscular Dystrophy/Orthopedic conditions, Camp Hot Shots for children living with Type 1 diabetes, Camp Champ for children with intellectual disabilities, Busy Bees a three day retreat for children on the autism spectrum and a guardian.
With several weeks of camp still ahead, MedCamps will continue providing life-changing camping experiences for children and young adults with a variety of medical conditions and disabilities. Each camp is staffed by dedicated employees, volunteers, healthcare professionals, counselors, and community members who help create a safe, supportive, and fun environment where every camper can thrive.
For 39 years, MedCamps of Louisiana has remained committed to improving the health and wellness of people living with chronic illnesses and disabilities through unique recreational and educational camping experiences. Beyond the activities, camp offers opportunities to develop independence, build self-confidence, and form meaningful friendships that often continue long after summer ends.
One of the most remarkable aspects of MedCamps is that every summer camp is offered free of charge to campers and their families. Thanks to the generosity of donors, grant funding, corporate partners, civic organizations, and hundreds of volunteers, families never receive a bill for their child’s camp experience.
“Every week at MedCamps is unique because every group of campers brings its own energy and personality,” said MedCamps Executive Director Caleb Seney. “Camp Smiling Suns is always a special week as these young adults continue to grow in confidence, strengthen friendships, and experience the independence and joy that camp provides. We’re excited to begin the second half of another incredible summer.”
As the summer continues, MedCamps remains grateful for the volunteers, medical professionals, sponsors, donors, and supporters who make these life-changing experiences possible. Their generosity ensures that children and young adults across Louisiana can experience the magic of camp regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.
With several specialty camps still to come, the summer is far from over at MedCamps of Louisiana, and the organization looks forward to welcoming many more campers to Camp Alabama in the weeks ahead. For more information about the program visit www.medcamps.org
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