Learning to have fun
Learning Camp: celebrating differences
By Marka Moser - The Vail Trail
March 23, 2001

A child fighting back tears, sits by himself at the edge of the playground.

He stares at his feet as he kicks up a few stones, then looks up longingly at the laughing group of kids playing tag.

This familiar scenario plays out all too often for those youngsters who struggle in school. Children with learning challenges are often ridiculed and rejected by other youngsters because they're different.

"If there is anything I could change in society, it would be to not make fun of people who are different," says Ann Cathcart, director of The Learning Camp. "It scars for life. Differences are what make the world go around."

The Learning Camp was born six years ago as a summer bridge to give a boost to children saddled with learning challenges. After watching many educationally challenged children - including her own son - sit alone because of a fear of rejection, Cathcart was compelled to take action.

Now her heart warms as she watches fear melt away for kids who attend this unique camp that blends academics with outdoor adventure. When children trust, Cathcart says, they will no longer be ridiculed; they're no longer afraid to jump into activities. Newly discovered confidence and an escalation in self-esteem are the common threads woven into the rave reviews parents have for The Learning Camp.

Following a camp session, children transfer that confidence back into their own classrooms. Teachers immediately note a difference, as do their peers, allowing the child to continue blossoming.

"Kids take on challenges they ordinarily might run away from for fear of criticism," Cathcart explains. "They're not criticized here. For some kids, it's the first positive experience they've had outside of their family. It's wonderful to see the joy in their eyes as they read a story, climb on a horse's back or swim across the pool for the first time.

"When they're surrounded by other kids who also have learning challenges, there's an immediate understanding of each other - an equalizer. They face those challenges they might ordinarily run away from."

Using a blend of exciting academics with summer camp activities like fishing, hiking, rafting and horseback riding, Cathcart has hit upon a valuable combination that is making a difference, for so many kids and their families.

The first time Chris Anderson, 11, of Denver, tackled rock climbing, he admitted his legs were shaking as if a sorcerer had put a frenzied spell on them. Although nervous, he completed the roped climb successfully.

Anderson had conquered a fear, while gaining a new skill. When he returned home, the camp's impact was evident both at home and at school.

This once shy child had broken out of a shell that imprisons so many children dealing with learning differences.

"Learning Camp was a life-changing experience for Chris," says his mother, Marcey. "He learned he was capable and became more confident. I believe so much of his success comes from the camp and what he gained from that unique experience."

Initially started as a day camp, Cathcart says the kids were having so much fun they didn't want to go home at the end of the day. She then looked toward a residential facility and will run the camp for the fifth summer on leased property tucked into the edge of the Colorado River near McCoy.

"Mark Ristow of FirstBank had faith in the project and took the leap with me. Now over the course of six years, we have served hundreds of kids with learning differences."

But Cathcart had always hoped to own a permanent facility. Now, a 35-acre parcel complete with a stream, a swimming pond and surrounded by open BLM land is under contract. If all goes as planned, The Learning Camp will open on the new site for three sessions during the summer of 2002.

"We're thrilled to be able to keep The Learning Camp within Eagle County," says Cathcart, who is working out details, along with her husband Tom Macht, who also teaches at the camp. "Children gain a different sense of self, coming to a camp like this for three weeks. They realize just how successful they can be."

Cathcart, a former corporate CEO, admits her motivation to form the Learning Camp stemmed from have a child with special education needs. A child may have a high IQ, but still struggle in school because of a diminished ability to process information on a normal scale. That hinder them, Cathcart explains, in a regular classroom situation.

Many famous personalities, from Albert EInstein, Woodrow Wilson and Nelson Rockefeller to Tom Cruise, Whoopi Goldberg, Robin Williams, Sylvester Stallone and Denver Bronco Karl Mecklenberg have battled learning difficulties. Vail's own Buddy Lazier, an Indianapolis 500 winner, is dyslexic. Even Einstein failed traditional math.

Cathcart's energy and enthusiasm are contagious. She's a whirlwind of motion that has fueled the engine of the unique venture. Remembering her own camp experiences, she's incorporated nightly fire circles and the culminating celebration ceremony into each of three summer sessions.

This camp fosters so much independence in such a positive environment, says Julie McLaurin of Vail, whose son Timmy attended three summers.

"Everyone is treated with respect. It's a place where so many kids with different learning issues can go and feel such success. Those attending also build many valuable, continuing friendships."

Another parent wrote that her son is a different child now, one she had always knoWn was there, but who was hesitant to emerge. Camp for him has been fun, safe, filled with new friends, mental and physical challenges, chores and paradigm shifts.

"He has a more positive view of himself and is more at peace with who he is. Though still acknowledging the academic challenges, he feels more capable and competent."

Cathcart's idea was to incorporate learning into a program that was such fun that kids didn't feel like they were in "school" - to mask learning with grins, fun, and excursions. It's worked.

For more information on The Learning Camp, call 970-926-2706 or visit their Web site at www.learningcamp.com.

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