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An
initiative of the First Lady, the Virgin
Islands "Camp Shriver" chapters were
developed in March 2007, at the Maryland home
of camp founder and disabilities activist,
Eunice Kennedy Shriver. At that time, the
Governor and First Lady held a meeting along
with Janice Lee, St. Croix Special Olympics
Chapter Director, Dr. Thomas Songster, Special
Olympics, and Michael Akin, Catholic
Charities, to discuss the formal arrangements
in launching the two facilities and bringing
sports training to the disabilities community
in the Virgin Islands. Campers participate in
the two-week summer session in coordination
with the Special Olympics, and engage in
swimming, basketball, soccer, softball, and
other recreational sporting activities.
"Camp
Shriver" was originally developed by
Eunice Kennedy Shriver in 1962 in Rockville,
Maryland, to provide intellectually challenged
children and adults with an opportunity to
participate in sports training and social
skills development. Originally launched from
Ms. Kennedy Shriver’s home, the home-camp is
still holding two-week sessions during the
summer months, along with the other camp
facilities nationwide, Monday-Friday from 9:30
a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Campers are challenged to
reach their highest physical limits, develop
physical fitness and experience the joys and
friendships that come from attending a summer
camp.
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