Camp Collin — a program for challenged children — is coming to Newtown Community Center this summer.

The community center is partnering with The Collin George Whitmore Foundation to make the program possible. This program is for children ages 5 to 8 who are able to attend camp independently of an adult and who contend with the following: those who find the verbal aspect of social relationships challenging, children who experience mild to moderate physical challenges, those with processing difficulties, and other situations that parents would like to discuss on an individual basis.

Campers will be placed with partners to allow children the opportunities to learn about each other, to develop lifelong friendships, and to participate in a variety of activities while succeeding to their greatest potential and having fun.

The Community Center will be offering this program Monday through Friday, August 5-9, with sessions running from 9 am until noon each day. The fee is $25, with program costs being supplemented by the Collin George Whitmore Foundation, founded in memory of the 8-year-old Sandy Hook boy who died in 2016 from a brain disorder known as arteriovenous malformation (AVM).

The program will be presented at Newtown Community Center, 8 Simpson Street. For questions about the program, contact Program Coordinator Jennifer Cebry at [naviga:u]jennifer.cebry@newtown-ct.gov[/naviga:u].

“The Foundation is compelled to offer this program as a service to the youth of Newtown who face daily challenges that may prevent them from participating in typical summer camps,” said Kim Whitmore, Collin’s mother.

Community Center Director Matt Ariniello said he and other community center leaders are “thrilled to offer this program in honor of Collin.

“I personally had a connection to Collin and am glad we were able to design a program to support the mission of the foundation and serve a very special population in our community,” Mr Ariniello added.

The concept behind the camp was inspired by the positive relationships Collin Whitmore had formed with students in his class who faced challenges. Collin served to be a mentor to those students, helping with daily tasks in the classroom.

This program falls in line with the mission of The Collin George Whitmore Foundation, which supports not only youth hockey and golf programs, but youth programs in greater Newtown. The mission also serves to raise awareness of AVM. With the support of this camp, members of the community can gain a better understanding of AVM. To learn more about the foundation, visit [naviga:u]collingwhitmore.org[/naviga:u].

Currently under construction, Newtown Community Center has announced its mission as being a multi-generational hub that enhances the community by promoting social interaction, health and wellness, creative opportunities, and personal growth.