Forty-five campers and their buddies experienced a day filled with Christmas cheer at Camp I Am Special’s annual Christmas “Mini-Camp.” The kids had a day full of Christmas crafts, reindeer games and more, giving their parents and guardians a day off for Christmas shopping and decorating.
Students from Bishop Kenny High School’s St. Vincent de Paul group came out to help campers make sensory Christmas blankets and play dough and put on scavenger hunts and outdoor games.
Taylor & Santa 
Steven & Santa 
Jack & Santa 
Clay & friends 
Emma & her buddy 
Caleb getting ready to check into camp
Children shopped at a pretend marketplace where they were able to practice money skills and bring home a gift for their parents. San Juan del Rio group Saints in Action donated and wrapped the gifts and oversaw this activity.
Towards the end of the day, Santa stopped by to enjoy some milk and cookies with the campers. He gave out gifts to the children that were donated by Catholic Center staff in honor of Bishop John J. Snyder.
Camp I Am Special has been hosting weekend mini-camps since 1995. Last year, the event was changed to a single day to accommodate more campers.
“This is my favorite time of the year, especially seeing how so many volunteers come together to make this day possible,” said Rebecca Aleman, director of Camp I Am Special. “This day is full of laughter and Christmas spirit. And the campers’ parents and guardians are so grateful for this day of respite.”