CAMPAR… a time to remember

 CAMPAR- A different summer camp

In the year 1990, the directors of the MAVI of San Juan and AMPI of Mayagüez, joined forces to develop a residential summer camp for the adult population with intellectual disabilities.

The camp had several purposes;

  1. To demonstrate that adults with intellectual disabilities could enjoy activities in adequate conditions;

  2. To educate young volunteers on how to interact with this population;

  3. To be able to identify areas of need of the population in an open environment;

  4. To provide a week of peer interaction for them to enjoy;

  5. To know how successful our efforts were to lead them towards an independent life

  6. To provide a week of respite to parents and caregivers.

    We will never forget Raymond Arrieta with his “Trumpetilla” character or the beautiful songs of Tony Croatto on his surprise visits to our camp.

After several years, AMPI was left in charge of the camp, which during the 26 years of services provided happiness and unforgettable memories to thousands of adults with developmental disabilities. During All those years AMPI was able take our participants to the Albergue Olímpico in Salinas, to the CECADER facilities in Aguadilla, to the Güajataca Camp in Isabela, to the Leonísmo Camp in Barranquitas, to the Monte Sión Camp in San Sebastián, to the Elías Burgos Camp in Utuado, In short, our participants traveled the island to share a week of unforgettable activities with their summer friends.

Like any project for this population, the time came when the funds were not available to carry it out and, with great sadness, in 2016, we held the last camp at Camp Caribe in Juana Díaz. Still, to this day, we receive calls from some participants, asking when the next CAMPAR will be. We dream that one day we can once again provide a week of carefree enjoyment, a week of educational experiences for volunteers and a week of rest for parents. It is hard work, but the results are priceless.

Hope that these photos and video, can let you enjoy a little of the fun we experienced every year.