Under a hot, August sky, several camp counselors carefully guided participants from one of two of this year’s REACH camps into a canoe, from which they paddled out into Scott Lake – about 12 miles north of Scott City.

REACH, an acronym for "Religious Education and Activities for the Community Handicapped," extends beyond simple activities; it signifies people reaching beyond sometimes severe physical and mental limitations.

As several campers fished nearby, two or three canoes with a counselor at either end and a camper in the middle paddled around the lake, which is part of Camp Lakeside, a campground owned by the United Methodist Church that opens its doors several organizations throughout the year.

Although ecumenical, REACH was created in the Catholic Church by members of St. Mary, Garden City parish. The first group was organized 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.

Today, only the Garden City REACH group remains. While there was at one time only one REACH camp per year, heightened interest created the need for a second and third camp so that the number of participants could be limited to 40.

Laurie and Steve Gerber have acted as deans (deans organize and lead the camp) for several years.

"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.