The Discovery Center at Murfree Spring recently announced the return of Camp Wonder, a weeklong summer camp for Rutherford County high school students with disabilities.
This year’s camp will be held from Monday, July 8th to Friday, July 12th at Siegel High School (located at 3300 Siegel Rd. in Murfreesboro). The camp runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. The camp fee is $50.
This year’s camp will include a variety of Olympic-themed activities, such as matching games with Olympic athletes and their equipment, flag-making, Olympic yoga, adapted shotput and javelin throw, tennis, and more. The week will conclude with a day at the Discovery Center, featuring a wetland walk scavenger hunt, an animal show, and a creek stomp.
Camp Wonder is a joint effort between Rutherford County Schools and the Discovery Center. Claire Maxwell, a former special education teacher and current Rutherford County School Board member, spearheaded the program in order to give area students with disabilities the opportunity to interact with one another through programming designed to accommodate the diverse set of abilities and interests of its participants.
“Claire’s vision and dedication have been crucial in bringing Camp Wonder to life,” said Tara MacDougall, President and CEO of the Discovery Center. “We are honored to partner with her on this initiative, which perfectly aligns with our commitment to serving the diverse needs of our community. Our mission is to create an inclusive environment where all children can thrive.”
“Camp Wonder is all about giving these young people the opportunities they deserve and the chance to connect with other students across the county,” said Claire Maxwell. “The Discovery Center at Murfree Spring has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life, and it wouldn’t be possible without their support and contributions to the educational programming. I am also deeply grateful for the generous donation made anonymously in the memory of Asher Sullivan, which will help us provide an even more meaningful and enriching experience for our campers.”
Camp Wonder is funded by private donations, including a $1,000 anonymous donation in memory of Asher Sullivan, the third-grade student and son of Rutherford County Director of Schools, James Sullivan, who tragically passed away in May.
For more information about Camp Wonder or to request an application, contact Claire Maxwell at 615-351-2262 or clairemaxwell@bellsouth.com. Applications can also be requested from Emmie Enochs at the Discovery Center at 615-890-2300 ext. 240 or eenochs@explorethedc.org.
