TWELVE-year-old Jamie Brangman (pictured)<$><\p>is a happy camper after learning he has been selected to attend summer camp abroad. The trip was made possible through the combined efforts of the staff of the Dame Marjorie Bean Hope Academy, Jamie’s social worker and the staff of the Oakhurst Summer Camp for Cerebral Palsy children in Oakhurst, New Jersey. The camp has been in existence since 1906.

Camp Oakhurst is operated by the New York Service for the Handicapped and is accredited by the American Camping Association and licensed by the New Jersey State Department of Health.

All campers must provide medical information and be personally interviewed by a caseworker for consideration.

Jamie’s mum Sue praised the Academy’s staff for helping to make one of her son’s wishes come true.

“We want to extend our thanks to the staff at Dame Marjorie Bean Hope Academy’s principal and social worker Julie Perry for making it possible for him to attend summer camp.”

During his time abroad, Jamie will be involved in various activities including swimming, arts, crafts, drama, music, dance, cooking, photography and nature programmes. The 15-acre facility is barrier- free and includes a state-of-the-art gymnasium and a fully-accessible heated swimming pool.

All activities are tailored to the individual abilities of campers. The daily schedule is supplemented with special events and social outings to beaches, boardwalks, and other area attractions.

There is also an in-camp broadcasting facility for radio transmission. Parents will accompany their children to the camp and will be treated to a tour of the facility and the amenities that are offered to the campers. The camp runs from yesterday to July 22 for campers in Jamie’s age group and then his mom will fly to New Jersey to return home with her son.

Camp Oakhurst has an eight-week summer programme. The first six weeks are for children and teenagers between the ages of eight and 19. They have the option of attending for two, four or six weeks. The final fortnight is for adults. Campers are grouped according to age, not disability. The facility has six camper cabins (three for males and three for females), each housing up to 16 campers.

Trained staff provide physical care assistance throughout the day. The camper-to-counsellor ratio is no more than three-to-one and there is 24-hour nursing care on site.

Camp Oakhurst is located along the scenic New Jersey Atlantic coast (55 miles from New York City) and serves individuals with disabilities that affect movement, co-ordination and stamina. Children and adults with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and similar conditions attend programmes. Campers must possess expressive and receptive communication skills and must exhibit behaviour that is appropriate for group living.

Individuals who use a wheelchair or who require assistance with activities of daily living are welcome. Most special diets can be accommodated.

Sue also expressed her thanks to the Committee of 25 for its financial support in making one of Jamie’s dreams come true.

“Hopefully, when people read this it will help to bring awareness to other parents of special needs children, especially pre-teens and teenagers. It is in their best interest to encourage their kids to seek out activities offered by the school and as a parent become involved when and wherever possible.”

As with any parent who would move heaven and earth to grant her child’s wish, Sue said she would want to grant her son’s second wish, which is to have his own room.

“I’m reaching out to the community to help to make my son’s dream of having his own room come true. Therefore we are in need of a one- or two-bedroom apartment at an affordable rent.

“We are not fussy about the location but anywhere between Sandys and Flatts would be ideal. This will not only make him happier but would also benefit his walking abilities going from room to room.”

Anyone who is willing to assist Jamie and Sue can call 236-1982.