For thousands of children across Ohio, 4-H camps are an escape from thoughts of school and household chores — a time to enjoy the outdoors and make new friends while learning life skills in a fun-filled environment.

Being a typical kid is what it’s all about, and it’s no different for special-needs youth who attend the multiple-handicapped 4-H camp at Canter’s Cave in Jackson County.
The camp is special because it marks the first multiple-handicapped 4-H camp in Ohio as it strives to serve disabled youth across the state. Connie Goble, Ohio State University Extension 4-H youth educator for Pike County and camp coordinator, estimates that only about a half dozen camps exist in Ohio designed specifically for children with learning, visually impaired, developmental, and physical disabilities.

“Four-H is supposed to be for everybody, but sometimes it’s not when there is no accessibility for those who need those services. The opportunities are endless for the camps and 4-H to be a positive influence in the lives of all youth, not just those enrolled in 4-H,” Goble said. “Parents of special-needs youth are always looking for ways to incorporate their children into typical activities. This camp is just like any other 4-H camp, but is specially tailored for handicapped children.”

The lodge at the Elizabeth L. Evans Outdoor Education Center at Canter’s Cave 4-H Camp, which is owned and operated by the 4-H programs in Vinton, Meigs, Scioto, Jackson, Gallia, Lawrence, Pike, Highland, and Adams counties, has undergone handicap-accessible renovations with the help of local donations and continued camp supporters. Such renovations include ADA-accessible bathrooms, roll-in showers, changing tables, bath chairs, and a pool lift.

The two-day camp, launched during the summer of 2006, introduced youths to such activities as swimming, arts and crafts, archery lessons, and music therapy.

For Missy Sprankel, the five-hour drive from Erie County was well worth the trip to see her 11-year-old autistic daughter, Hayley, participate in the activities and make new friends.
“In Erie County there are no facilities or activities that are dedicated to special-needs children, other than summer softball and tee-ball,” said Sprankel, of Huron, Ohio.

Canter’s Cave operators have such high hopes for the continuation of multiple-handicapped camps that renovations to the facility are continuing. Already planned is a new cabin built specifically for youths with disabilities. The Shriners have donated $9,000 to start the fund for the new cabin, and additional donations amounting to $5,250 have come in from area residents and businesses.