Imua Family Services celebrates the 40th anniversary of Camp Imua with a week-long overnight recreational camp for children with disabilities and special needs. The camp–scheduled this year to run from Sunday, June 12 through Thursday, June 16–was organized in 1976 by volunteers led by Penny Elkins to provide a fun-filled week of camp experiences for Maui’s keiki.
Every year in June, children age 6-16 come to Camp Maluhia in the West Maui Mountains for an exciting week of crafts, games, swimming, surfing, kayaking, hiking, horseback riding, dancing, concerts, outdoor movies, helicopter tours, a talent show and a special closing ceremony luau. More than 200 campers and volunteers come together for the special camping experience.
In 2012, under the threat of being discontinued due to a lack of operating funds, a group of volunteers put together Paddle Imua benefit ocean race as a fundraiser for Camp Imua. For five years, Bluesmiths Crafted Waterwear has been the title sponsor for Paddle Imua allowing the event to grow year after year. With the help of other event sponsors, businesses, the Maui community and an army of volunteers, Paddle Imua has become Maui’s premier benefit ocean sports event raising funds to ensure Camp Imua lives on.
This year’s closing night dinner on July 16 will include a special ceremony marking Camp Imua’s 40th anniversary. The event will feature a luau feast provided by the Ka`anapali Beach Hotel, which has been a Camp Imua supporter since 1992. Over the last 40 years, thousands of Maui’s special needs children, high school caregivers and a host of other behind-the-scenes volunteers have attended the annual event.
Photo courtesy of Imua Family Services
Comments
comments