There’s a camp just outside of Memphis that welcomes anyone from ages 6 to 45 with disabilities and special needs, and gives them the opportunity to go to summer camp and create long-lasting friendships.
Camp Conquest, located in Cordova, was founded on a dream by Mark and Amanda Price to have an overnight camp that students with disabilities could go to with a welcoming and fun environment. Their dream became a reality in 2012 and has been a place for kids with special needs to make friends and get out of their comfort zone.
Allie Lindsey, junior at the University of Memphis and volunteer at Camp Conquest, said she wants to get the word out about the camp’s need for volunteers and what all people can do to help.
“Forget what you heard about Disney World, Camp Conquest is the happiest place on Earth,” Lindsey said. “Camp Conquest is all about creating a fun place for kids, teens, and adults with special needs to have a normal life experience like going to summer camp. Disabilities range from Autism to down syndrome. Some are high functioning and some are low.”
Every activity that is put on by Camp Conquest is fit for each persons needs. The Camp is focused on giving the campers a chance to have a week where they interact with other people who have similar things in common with them. This summer, the camp will be running for two weeks. This means there will be one week just for kids, and one week for adults.
“To volunteer at camp you have to have a big heart, lots of patience and the ability to let yourself go and be silly,” Lindsey said. “You really have to put yourself aside for a week and put your camper first. The week is about them and ensuring that they have a good and memorable time.”
Camp activities range from paint wars, canoeing, riding horses and dance parties. Lindsey got involved as a volunteer by sitting next to founder, Amanda Price at a church meeting who asked her to join the camp
“Being a lover of all things summer camp, I said yes without hesitation,” Lindsey said. “Best decision I ever made.”
The camp will run May 31-June 5 for ages 6-16, and June 7-13 for ages 17 and up. To apply to be a counselor or volunteer, visit Camp Conquest’s website.
“I drove up to camp so unsure why I was there and I knew absolutely no one,” Lindsey said. “I drove away in tears because I was leaving my family and the happiest place on earth.”
