Local Volunteers Help Special Kids Shine

Operation Shine Camp is a unique summer camp geared for children with autism and Down Syndrome. This year, several volunteers from Gothenburg helped at the camp near Hordville. Pictured front row, from left, are: Jenny Daup, Shiloh Schultz, Claire Vincent, Briony Aden, and Natalie Waskowiak (who now lives in Kearney); back row: Brant Miller, Carter Vincent, and Alan Daup. Also volunteering but not pictured were Lyndsay Anderson and Seth Daup. (Photo courtesy Jenny Daup)
Operation Shine Camp is a unique summer camp geared for children with autism and Down Syndrome. This year, several volunteers from Gothenburg helped at the camp near Hordville. Pictured front row, from left, are: Jenny Daup, Shiloh Schultz, Claire Vincent, Briony Aden, and Natalie Waskowiak (who now lives in Kearney); back row: Brant Miller, Carter Vincent, and Alan Daup. Also volunteering but not pictured were Lyndsay Anderson and Seth Daup. (Photo courtesy Jenny Daup)

For many kids, the break from school includes summer camps. Gathering with their friends and making new ones, playing games, singing around a campfire. Creating special lifelong memories.

However, for some kids, attending a summer camp is a challenge, if not an impossibility. Well, at least it used to be.

Operation Shine Camp is specially designed for children ages 7-12 with autism, Down Syndrome, and other types of developmental disabilities. Operated by the Kids & Dreams Foundation, the camp began in 2015 with 24 campers and about 40 volunteers. It is held at Covenant Cedars Camp near Hordville.

Jenny and Alan Daup of Gothenburg, both occupational therapists, have volunteered with the camp since its inception. Jenny says the camp has grown exponentially over the years, and this year the…