Camp offers adventure to special needs youths
BY TOYNETT HALL
Staff Writer

HOWELL - For many people, summer is a time to enjoy the beach and to catch some sun. However, some youngsters have decided not to pursue a typical Jersey shore summer and have chosen instead to discover an adventure in their own neighborhood.

Teen Adventure is the Howell Recre-ation Department's summer program for teenagers who have special needs. It is one of the department's programs that have been designed to integrate the special needs community into mainstream activities.

Recreation Director Bryan Haltigan said, "It's kind of like a traveling summer camp for teenagers with special needs. They go on trips such as bowling, miniature golf, an ice cream parlor, a farm and Six Flags Great Adventure. The program's purpose is to give the special needs teenagers a chance to interact with everyday society. It is really just another layer for them to participate in everyday life."

Programs such as Teen Adventure are able to continue thanks to donations from local nonprofit organizations such as Autism Searching for a Better Tomorrow (ASBT).

According to ASBT founder Sharlene Zuppardo, the organization emerged out of her desire to raise funds for autistic children.

"I just wanted the kids to get some money so they would be able to do some fun things," she said.

Zuppardo's desire to create a monetary resource for the autistic community came to fruition in March. Her passion and drive combined with a team of selfless volunteers allowed ASBT to make a donation of more than $9,200 to the Howell Parks and Recreation Depart-ment.

Haltigan said the funds donated by ASBT will be used to run programs for children with special needs and to create new programs for them. He said the Teen Adventure summer camp is one program that will be enhanced because of ASBT's donation.

In a recent visit to a Teen Adventure trip, a reporter spoke with some of the participants.

Zachary Neves, 14, said he loves the summer program and Matthew Nanni, 12, agreed that he does, too. Both boys said they have enjoyed the trips and mentioned the excursion to Great Adven-ture to have been the best outing.

Mallika Desai, 18, said the trips are great, but said she really enjoys the social interaction.

"I get to meet new people and hang out with my friends. I really enjoy this and I will come back next year," Mallika said.

Site Director Lynsey Treadwell said the Teen Adventure program provided a good opportunity for the children to socialize. She said the summer camp had an easy-going atmosphere.

"We are very relaxed with what we do. We allow the children to pick their activity and we try not to be too structured," Treadwell said.

Parent Linda Iacono praised the camp and said it provided a social network for children who have special needs, which in turn helped them to build their self-esteem.

The Teen Adventure camp ran for six weeks and ended Aug. 8. Youngsters from several local communities participated.

For information about the camp that is being planned for the summer of 2008, contact Irene Plantz in the Howell Parks and Recreation Department at (732) 938-4500, ext. 2507.

For more information about Autism Searching for a Better Tomorrow, contact Sharlene Zuppardo, 19 Fella St., Howell 07731 or call (732) 458-6504.