Provena Mercy Hosts Third Annual ADHD Camp with Special Guests

It appears to be your ordinary summer camp, fun in the sun, children laughing and enjoying one another's company, special games, recreational activities and even arts and crafts.

But, as you take a closer look, this camp is anything but ordinary. Designed specifically to help those with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Provena Mercy Medical Center held its third annual ADHD camp.

A disorder that affects up to 10 percent of school aged children, ADHD can coexist with other learning disorders. This camp was designed to help children and their families live with attention deficit disorders and learning disabilities so they can have fuller and happier lives.

Children from various areas in the western suburbs joined in on the fun by participating in activities matched by the educational guidelines of Illinois that helped improve their self-esteem and social, communication and problem solving skills.

"We want to make sure camp is a positive experience for everyone. At camp, they learn life skills that will ultimately help them at home, with friends and in the classroom while making it fun for them," said Connie Parr, Camp Director.

The majority of the camp was funded by scholarships which included two from the Kane/Kendall Learning Disabilities Association and donations from Provena Medical Center Employees.

Camp goers enjoyed several skill building activities including time with Pet Therapy dogs where they learned how they are trained, walked them along the "Mercy Mile" and of course the chance to pet, hug and play with the dogs. Using their creative side, camp members made recycled notebooks out of cardboard, shoestring and beads and took time out of each day to journal in the peaceful healing garden setting. They made cities out of cardboard boxes, decorated flower pots, and many other activities constructed to teach them social, communication and team building skills to be used throughout life.

On the last day of camp, the camp attendees got a special surprise visit from the Kane County Cougars and Ozzie, the team mascot. Armed with goodie bags for everyone, the Cougars interacted with the children, signed autographs, posed for photos and helped spread excitement and cheer to all who attended.