Bay Buddies summer camp

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The Bay Buddies summer camp program is a unique end-of-summer fun and educational program that meets the specialized needs of children who are medically fragile or who have disabilities that require a high level of attention.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience for a lot of the students,” says Arlene Dorsey, the lead teacher from William S. Baer who has worked at the camp since its inception 12 years ago. “Most of our families would not be able to afford something like this. All of the children get something out of it, even if they can’t verbalize it.”

Founded by Dianna Morgan, a specialist with The Arc of Baltimore, the program serves children with a broad range of disabilities including Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy and epilepsy.

Eighty children from four area schools can attend the camp. Students from the William S. Baer and George W.F. McMechen schools in Baltimore City and Battle Monument and Maiden Choice schools in Baltimore County are eligible, along with some of their teachers and assistants.

Campers had a week of fun including a Skipjack cruise, a day at the Druid Hill Park pool, horseback riding, arts and crafts and trips to the Aquarium and Science Center. They capped off their week with a drum circle and graduation ceremony.