The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society announces the annual Camp Buddy summer camps in Effingham County and Chatham County will be held during the months of June and July. These educational and therapeutic camps are designed to help children with Down syndrome, ages 3-13, retain information they learned during the previous school year.

This year’s camp activities include music, dance, arts and crafts, as well as bike, trike and scooter board riding. After camp, each camper is sent home with an individualized therapy plan and a medal.

The Effingham Camp Buddy will be held June 8-12 at Rincon Elementary School from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. each day.

“Every year we see children improve their skills exponentially through our customized curriculum created by special education, occupational, physical and speech therapists,” said Chatham Camp Buddy director Pam Hussey. “The children enjoy the camp so much that they don’t realize they are learning.”

“Camp Buddy really is making a difference in the lives of children in our area. The program is sponsored by the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society and is made possible through the generosity of the community, friends and family of LDSS and events like the Buddy Walk and Night of Champions,” said Molly Marchese, Effingham Camp Buddy coordinator.

Camp Buddy costs $30 per child for the entire two week period for either Effingham and Chatham. This cost includes therapy sessions, entertainment, a camp T-shirt and snacks.

According to Hussey, the Camp is always looking for teen volunteers, 15 years or older, to work with the children. For more information about attending or volunteering for either Camp Buddy, contact Hussey at (912) 220-6429.

The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society is a family support group to benefit people with Down syndrome and their families through local leadership, outreach, education, and advocacy to champion and celebrate acceptance and inclusion. Meetings are held every fourth Tuesday of the month, typically with a guest speaker and social time for families to meet and interact with one another. LDSS encourages people to bring their children.

LDSS is an affiliate of the National Down Syndrome Society. For more information about LDSS, visit http://www.ldssga.org/