I like this idea, to often the Intent and funding for Camps and the Camp Programs are geared towards either boys or mixed gender. Special needs females tend to have over protective care givers. Not without good reason. However that makes the socialization process slower. I am a huge fan of Special O,(they get both my time and spare change), and one of my Sons was a Special O Kid and he had a great time (Bowling, Swimming, Golf),(Dad blow out his first hip Bowling with Special Needs Adults after an event),and developed a love for Handicapable People. He like me has no use for those that do not try. However they have to be thought its okay to try. Anyway I am glad they have this camp. Special needs Girls have all the issues of other girls and then some. (Did not want to use the word Normal because Normal is in the eye of the beholder, has to do with what you have to do to make your day. So your normal and my normal are vastly different. As is the Normal of Special Needs People, each need being different. There are No Scholarships for Wheel Chair Basketball.

I an so touched to finally see leaders being willing to take a risk. To think outside the box. I am a mother of a very special 17 year old with multiple disabilities. She has attended Girls camp for 4 years but with very little support for the ward or stake we lived in. Her older sister has taken her and helped her become intregrated into the camp. It would now be wonderful if these YW could go to their own stake camp and teach more then just a select few YW the importance of seeing beyond themselves. These special daughters are here for a purpose to help us learn from them the love that Heavenly Father has for each of us and that each of us has a purpose. What a wonderful start, let's keep it going. P.S. rather then "NORMAL" we use "TYPICAL".

This is really cool. I enjoyed reading the article. I hope the LDS church continues provide camp opportunities for girls as well as boys with special needs throughout the US. What a wonderful way for people to donate time to enrich the experience of a child.

WOW!!! Where can I sign up? That is so awesome that someone saw an opportunity and took it. That doesn't happen to often and where I live, practically never. I have a special needs daughter, who more often than not is left out of the social aspects of teenage life. As a parent that is hard to watch. Last year my daughter went to California to go to camp with her married sister because the ward and stake there wanted her, specially invited her and were willing to work with her autism. She had such a great time that she is going again this year. I was so touched by their kindness towards her and their helping her feel accepted and a part. I too, am touched that the stake leaders in this article would see this need and act on it. There are lots of girls everywhere with special needs, some more severe than others, but all have the desire to be accepted and loved for who they are and feel like they belong or are a part of the group. Wished I lived in that stake...Maybe this will inspire others. Way to go...keep up the good work!

I read the Article and I would only want to be Positive. I would not want to talk about what other Wards and Stakes do not do, but about what this Stake did do. Sometime people will come out and do things as a Calling that they would not do other wise. Not that they would not be willing to do it other wise but they are shy, scared, because if you do not do the right thing or behave the right way others turn on you and being a Teenager is Rough Enough as it is. However if its a calling then you must step up and you are socially covered because its a Calling. My Wife and I have always told our kids that if they needed to say No! Just say your Parents won't let you. Let us know and we won't let you. In short we will be the bad guy. To many times we are told that the special need persons "ticket is punched and heaven is just waiting for them." that is so unreal and so convenient for Teachers, Youth, Adult, and Priesthood Leaders to use in not helping, and its so wrong.

It's too bad the wards and stakes of these girls with disabilities could not just "do" this within their own wards and stakes--without needing to create the "special needs" girls camp. Don't get me wrong--I think It's okay--but it's way past time we only create "special" programs completely separate from everyone else, and provide the appropriate supports and modifications (and friends) at the local ward and stake levels. It's time the needs are just seen as "needs"--not "special"!