A summer camp built on love, acceptance, and friendship

BLUEFIELD, W.Va. (WVVA) - The West Virginia Elks major project is a non-profit that has created a camp specifically for individuals who are mentally and/ or physically challenged.

The yearly summer camp has been around for 37 years and has brought endless memories to many families in the community.

All the campers partake in daily activities such as fireworks, swimming, karaoke, and most popular a prom dance at the end of the week.

Many have made friends that have turned into family and some have made bonds that can’t be broken.

For many parents this gives them the opportunity to relax a little bit while their kids have fun.

" It’s important for them to take a breath to reset, and they know that their kiddos are well taken care of and loved," says camp counselor Allison Napier.

Some campers started going when they were younger and are now counselors themselves

" I got a sister or a friend like my sister, she’s a counselor here," explains Steven Bragg, a previous camper now counselor.

This year Miss West Virginia was given the chance to hang out and bring smiles to some of the campers. She says how great of an experience it has been.

" It really is astounding how genuine and kind all of them are they were excited to see me, but I think I was even more excited to see them," Says Courtney Bearer.

For those nervous if they should attend the camp Eugene Johnson shares how it’s worth it “ It’s like you never know what’s going to happen. We got talent shows, we got Christmas, we got anything that can happen,” says camper Eugne Joneson.

" They should come just to be judge free. This is a judge free zone. You’re here to be with your peers. We’re here to help you in any way and just make friends,” camp counselor Alison Naper said. “ It’s so hard when you get older to just keep those connections with friends and the more you come, those friends, they turn into our camp.”