Summer camp applications

   BRIDGES Transition Council is now accepting applications for its fourth annual Summer Camp for youth ages 14 – 20 with special needs living in Aroostook County. Youth must be identified by their school as special needs or 504 student to apply.
    BRIDGES Summer Camp will focus on Transition Topics that are included in the Individual Education Plan (IEP) and fun summer camp activities for a week of fun. Youth leaders throughout Aroostook County have been meeting and planning sessions for the week. Local agencies will offer workshops on getting jobs, healthy choices and advocacy. Other topics include: employment, legal rights, education options, vocational rehab and community activities. Nature sessions will include: archery, swimming, volleyball, zip line, hiking and much more. In addition, a professional development series for parents, case managers, teachers and others interested in youth with special needs will be offered for contact hours.  
    BRIDGES Transition Council has taken measures to make the week affordable for families to send their children. The entire week will be a bargain at $275 for Aroostook County youth (out-of-County youth add $50.) Parents, if your youth requires support staff to attend camp, call and we will discuss how you can attend so your son/daughter will not miss out on the summer-camp experience. Scholarships (partial) will be available for youth experiencing financial difficulty. Visit www.ainop.com/users/hhcf/bridges.htm for more information or call 227-0046 or e-mail jbugbee@mainetransition.org.  
    In order to make camp successful and safe for youth, BRIDGES is also accepting applications for staffing with a limited number of stipended positions and several volunteer positions. If you have a skill to share or time to devote to our County youth with special needs, please contact us.
    BRIDGES Summer Camp will be at Baptist Park in Mapleton Aug. 2-7. All participants, including parents, will have to pre-register for BRIDGES Summer Camp by noon May 30. Space is limited and will be filled first-come, first-served.