The camp provides a nurturing and fun, play-based environment to allow children with disabilities to participate in activities that help promote independence and developsocial skills, self-esteem and leadership skills, explained Monique O’Neil, the EFMP program manager.

Activities include trivia games, scavenger hunts, clay and play dough sculpting and bird house constructing.

‘‘One of the exciting things was one parent shared that her child had never experienced something so specific to his needs,” saidRhonda Lavenuta, the special education director for base schools. ‘‘It was a very organized event in terms of activities.”

Registration for the free summer camp is scheduled to open March 29 and end May 21. Registrants must be between the ages of 5 and 13, and must be enrolled in EFMP.

Parents will need to report to the EFMP house on Neville Road to fill out an application, but the child does not have to be present. Space is limited, so early registration isrecommended.

The summer camp will be supported by MCCS and Marine Corps Base Quantico staff to include The Clubs At Quantico, Semper Fit, Marine Corps Family Team Building, Family Advocacy Program and the Naval Health Clinic.

On the final day, campers will receive certificates at a barbecue lunch where all family members are encouraged to attend for a closing ceremony.

For more information, contact O’Neil at 571-931-0525.

— Correspondent: meloney.moses@usmc.mil