This June, Rowan College at Gloucester County will once again partner with the Special Olympics of New Jersey to offer Camp Shriver — an athletic day camp designed for young people with intellectual disabilities, ages 12 and up. The College invites aspiring Special Olympics athletes to participate in the free camp, and encourages the local community to get involved in the fun as volunteers or just show up to cheer on the athletes.
Special Olympics can trace its roots to a backyard summer camp started by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, known as Camp Shriver — dedicated to providing young people with disabilities fitness, wellness, sports, fun and learning opportunities. Since 2015, RCGC’s Athletic department has been proud to offer the day camp to the surrounding community.
Camp Shriver at RCGC is divided into two week-long sessions that run from 1 to 4 p.m. The week one session runs from June 17 to 20 and focuses on basketball. The week two session runs from June 24 to 27 with an emphases on soccer. Athletes participate in a series of clinics and training programs run by RCGC Athletic department coaches and personnel, along with student and community volunteers, that concentrate on enhancing existing athletic skills and developing new ones — all while making new friends and learning about health and fitness in a supportive environment.
“Our entire staff supports Camp Shriver and we take a hands-on approach for the two weeks the campers are here,” said Executive Director of Athletics Brian Rowan. “We actively support the mission of the Special Olympics and are proud to continue our partnership.”
Athletes must be 12 years of age or older to participate in Camp Shriver and have completed a Special Olympics of New Jersey Participation packet prior to registration. The registration form can be found at tfaforms.com/4731584. A $50 deposit is required to hold the athlete’s place, and will be returned on the last day of camp.
Volunteers are welcomed to take an active role and participate alongside of the athletes for the duration of the week selected. To volunteer, individuals must be at least 16 years of age, commit an entire week and complete the registration form found at 2019CampShriver.my-ts.
