Camp Accomplish lives up to its name for campers of differing abilities

This content is sponsored by Melwood

Whether the activity of the moment is swimming, horseback riding, performing in a talent show, or roasting s’mores, Camp Accomplish allows children of all abilities to play, interact, and discover their own level of independence.

Take 16 year old Gerik Babiarz, who according to his mother Mary, lacked social skills and kept to himself before attending Camp Accomplish eight (8) years ago. Gerik was nonverbal. Today, Mary says that because of Camp Accomplish, Gerik has made friends at camp, gets involved in the activities, and has become a happier kid.  That same engagement carried into the school year. Over the years, Gerik’s camp experiences have led to a significant improvement in his grades. For the first time ever, Gerik has made all A’s.

Camp Accomplish is an inclusive camp that was established on Melwood’s mission to empower individuals of differing abilities to transform their lives though unique opportunities to play and work in the community. The Camp offers a series of weeklong day and overnight summer camp experiences for children ages five to 18.

What is unique about Camp Accomplish is that the experiences can be tailored to fit the needs of every camper. Camp Counselors at Melwood are trained to carefully review each applicant during the intake process. Emphasis is placed on determining the comfort level of each potential camper to ensure their experiences are positive and they enjoy participating in the activities. The counselor-to-camper ratio is also highly individualized. It can range from one-to-one for children with demanding physical needs to a grouping of one (1) counselor and eight (8) children.

“Camp Accomplish is a safe and special place that can change a child’s life,” says Mary Babiarz, Camp Accomplish mom. “The experiences lead to a world of endless possibilities.”

Camp Accomplish is one of the few INCLUSIVE camps in the Mid-Atlantic Region fully accredited by the  American Camp Association and is fully inclusive of children with or without differing abilities. It is all-inclusive on purpose; allowing campers to share new experiences and find their own level of independence.

Camp Accomplish is situated on 108 acres of spacious greenery in southern Maryland. The sessions begin June 17. Campers can participate in a range of camp activities including culinary arts, farm life, exploration, sports, aquatics, equestrian, and more. Registration is now open!

About Melwood 
Melwood is an AbilityOne non-profit organization, and one of the largest employers of people with differing abilities in the Northeast U.S., with a highly competitive and inclusive workforce – providing a range of services to federal, state and local governments, and the private sector. Using an innovative and effective social entrepreneurial model, Melwood offers job placement, job training, life skills for independence, and support services to more than 2,100 people each year in the Washington, DC metropolitan area, Maryland, and Virginia. Melwood also provides recreation opportunities through seasonal inclusive camp programs for children and adults with and without differing abilities. In addition, Melwood provides employment and support services to veterans and active duty military members coping with a variety of service-related traumas such as PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and substance abuse. Melwood operates a training program that graduates approximately 100 workers with differing abilities each year, and employs more than 1,300 workers, including nearly 700 persons with a differing ability. Since 1963, the 501(3)(c) organization has envisioned a world in which people with differing abilities are fully included by advocating for and empowering them to transform their own lives through unique opportunities to work and play in the community. For more information visit www.Melwood.org.

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