By David Myers

Southwest Kansas Register

In a grass-covered grove off Scott Lake -- about 12 miles north of Scott City -- 36 camp participants, 16 counselors, and two "deans" came filtering out of vans and trucks, having just enjoyed a morning of boating and fishing, and ready for an old fashioned barbecue.

One by one, the hungry campers moved toward the picnic tables within the grove, tall trees sheltering them from the afternoon sun. When asked how he enjoyed the boat ride, a young man named Brandon took off his cap, wiped his brow with his arm, and with his eyes wide said, "It’s so hot!" But soon after lunch he was back on a boat piloted by diocese director of youth ministry Steven Polley, smiling in anticipation of another cruise.

This is REACH camp, and although it’s an acronym for "Religious Education and Activities for the Community Handicapped," its meaning extends far beyond simple activities; it signifies people reaching beyond sometimes severe physical and mental limitations.

"We let them know that there isn’t anything they can’t do," said Laurie Gerber, who, with her husband, Steve, served as deans, which organize and lead the camp. "If they want to do it, we find a way."

Occurring three times per summer, the week-long camp houses up to 40 developmentally disabled youth and adults, and occurs at scenic Camp Lakeside, which stands just off the shores of Scott Lake.

Although ecumenical, REACH was born in the Catholic Church. Members of St. Mary, Garden City parishioners organized the first group in 1971 – then known as "Community Handicapped Encountering Christ" — holding various events, such as dances, throughout the year. Eventually, REACH groups were organized in 15 communities across the diocese.

While only the Garden City REACH group remains, interest is high. Not long ago there was only one camp per year. As participation grew to more than 60 at a camp, organizers were forced to include one and then two more camps per summer, limiting participation at each to 40. People attend from across the diocese — "Anyone we can reach," Gerber said.

Camp Lakeside, which opened in 1948, is owned by the United Methodist Church, and serves a vast variety of religious and secular organizations. Director Keith Schadel said the camp, which contains 140 beds, has hosted business training seminars, leadership development programs, grief counseling events, Scout groups, 4-H groups, family reunions, diocesan summer camps, and many others.

Gerber noted that Schadel is always willing to upgrade the camp where needed, such as when Gerber discovered a need for a cement sidewalk to make areas more accessible to wheelchairs.

"We built a sidewalk from the lodge to the dining hall to the chapel, so that it’s all wheelchair accessible," Schadel said. "We had a lot of volunteers help out."

The scenic setting – rolling tree-covered hills, and a lake – offers Schadel the opportunity to get "quiet enough in the spirit" so that he can "hear the still, small voice of God.

"Whether it’s a secular or Church group, youth or adults, I hope that sometime while they’re here they can get quiet enough in their spirit that they can hear God whisper to them," he said. "I work in a place where I get to see that on a regular basis."

At camp, participants enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, crafts, horse rides, bingo, shopping at the camp store, dancing, barbecues, and of course, prayer, as well as being served by camp counselors who are intent on letting the campers know just how special they are.

"We wait on them," Gerber said. "It’s the Christian idea of us being their servants. If they want seconds, we go get it for them.

"I was so nervous my first time [as counselor]," she added. "There are so many disabilities; you feel inadequate. But they don’t care, they’re just like any other person. I’ve gotten so much more from them than I’ve given."

After lunch, several campers slowly filtered onto three boats containing a pilot and at least one counselor. An elderly blind woman was carefully helped on board one boat, and a few minutes later was sitting back smiling as the cool air rushed against her. A man with Downs Syndrome peered out over the water, a wide grin alighting his face.

Back on shore, several campers sat back in lawn chairs, fishing reel in hand. Before long, all were ushered back to camp where several individuals created T-shirts with the REACH camp logo. Then it was off to the camp store, where they found edible goodies, jewelry, and some T-shirts and other items for sale.

The REACH camp is always looking for people to serve as counselors. While the campers are finding friendship and learning and achieving, those who serve them may find themselves perhaps for the first time looking at people with disabilities as being "just like anybody else."

Why were the participants of the REACH camp such a joy to be around? Perhaps it was because they register the kind of charm you only find from those lacking any pretention. Perhaps it was because even the older campers seem to draw one’s fraternal or maternal instincts.

Or perhaps it’s the rewards in seeing a wide smile from a person who has suddenly reached beyond their limitations.