LaBelle camp empowers adults with special needs by trying new things

LABELLE, Fla. — A camp in LaBelle is offering adults with special needs independence while reducing social isolation for both campers and their families.

Trailways Camps provides a safe space where adults with special needs can spend days away from their caregivers, many for the first time. The camp focuses on building confidence through activities such as games, community presentations, and new experiences.

Trailways Camps in LaBelle brings community and independence to adults with special needs

"Camp is awesome," said Josh, a camper at Trailways.

Jerry Miller co-founded Trailways Camps with his wife in honor of their sons Robert and Benjamin, who both passed away from a rare disease.

"In their honor, we wanted to do something," said Miller.

Robert and Benjamin Miller — The founders of Trailways Camps established the camps to honor their sons, Robert and Benjamin, who both passed away from a rare disease.

Miller said he understands the importance of providing caregivers with respite.

"As parents, when we had two special needs adults, it was very difficult to get anytime alone," Miller said.

Julie Rivera has seen how the time at camp has changed her daughter, Emily.

"When she came, her confidence level was off the roof," Julie said.

Emily Rivera plays cornhole with a group of campers and volunteers. She wanted to start volunteering at Trailways after having experienced it as a camper.

Emily first attended Trailways as a camper before becoming a volunteer alongside her mother.

Emily said her time as a camper inspired her to give back to others.

"When I was a camper, the volunteers just gave so much, and I was like 'I want to do that for other campers, so they can enjoy camp,'" Emily said.

Now, as a volunteer, Emily said her favorite part of camp is watching others grow.

Group playing kickball — Trailways Camps says they serve a wide variety of adults with special needs and can make different accommodations for their campers.

"Seeing their joy, like they were afraid of something, and then they did it," Emily said.

Miller said creating that joy was always the goal behind Trailways Camps.

"I see that smile on their face, I know that they're having a good time, and that's what's important," Miller said. "We emphasize that they learn that they are something special."

You can find more information about Trailways Camps here.

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