¡Send me to camp! 2018

My name is Sinacan.  I'm 15 years old and I'm from Concepcion, Sololá, Guatemala.  I'm Kaqchikel Mayan, and I have Down Syndrome. Even though I live near this lake, I never got to do the things I get to do every year at Camp Achik' ("Dream")!  I love coming to camp to see all my friends, ride a horse, sing on stage, go to the beach, and float on a paddle board in Lake Atitlan. 

Every year, Viamistad hosts three sleep-away summer camp programs for Guatemalans of all ages with developmental disabilities and their friends, local volunteers who love to care for them and spend time together.  The same special group of folks with and without disabilities gathers every year, forming lifelong friendships for an extraordinarily marginalized group, in a country with fledgeling special education for children but where adults with disabilities enjoy no supportive programs or financial assistance.

Each "camper" who comes to camp annually is cared for by one "volunteer", an able-bodied friend.  A donation of $400 covers the cost of each pair of friends-- or for 2 people to enjoy the 8-day camp.

No one is paid or pays to come to camp.  100% of donations raised go to camp operations-- travel, food, rent, and activities.

Consider sponsoring a camper like Sina!..... $400
Or sponsoring one person, camper or volunteer...... $200
Or just helping out with ANY amount!

Camps are coming up soon and we MUST fund them by the end of October.

Nov. 16-24:  Campamento Achik' (Dream)
Nov. 30- Dec. 8:  Campamento Wix'biil (Friend)
Dec. 15-23:  Campamento Kikotimaal (Happiness)

Dollars go a long way here in Guatemala.  Small donations very welcome and helpful.

Thank you!!!