Summer camp in Ben Lomond benefits disabled

Swimming, hiking, crafts, games and visits to the resident animal farm will take place at Camp Harmon in Ben Lomond, just like at many summer camps in the San Lorenzo Valley.
But there’s a difference, Camp Harmon is dedicated to serving families with individuals who have a variety of disabilities.
People with disabilities from ages 8 to 65 are served by staff and counselors who travel from all over the world to work at the camp and provide an all around camp experience for people with developmental and physical disabilities.
“We just have a high quality staff that is ready to engage the campers,” said camp director Scott Webb. 
Campers are able to swim, play sports, and enjoy the outdoors, and to provide more entertainment, there is usually a twist on each game and activity, Webb said. 
Some of these twists include bowling on the grass, wagon rides, and knockout, which places hockey and soccer together in the same game. Campers also have the chance to ride horseback, golf and participate in archery. 
The camp also has its own animal farm where campers can spend time with animals such as chickens, goats and rabbits. 
Webb said the camp offers a 3-to-1 camper to counselor ratio and a 1-to-1 ratio. A different age group is targeted each week for the nine weeks Camp Harmon runs during the summer.
Camp Harmon works with two organizations to provide services to its campers. They work with the Prader Willi Foundation to better help young adults who have Prader Willi Syndrome, and the Bridge School, which deals with communication technology. 
The camp’s stated goal is to build self-reliance, independence, confidence and strong friendships. 
Next year Camp Harmon, which is owned and operated by Easter Seals Central California, will celebrate its 50^th year anniversary. The camp which has been accredited by the American Camping Association was dedicated by the Harmon sisters in the early 1960s. 
In preparation of next year’s celebration, the camp will go through renovations, such as wear-and-tear removal and remodeled cabins and program areas including the drama program, arts and crafts, campfire area and chapel. For the 50^th anniversary, people who have camped at Camp Harmon within its first 50 years have been invited to come back and participate in the festivities. 
“We have been providing an amazing service to individuals and families with disabilities for over 50 years, and we would appreciate the communities support for the next 50 years,” Webb said.