This article was originally published in the Mitchell County News Journal.
Camp Spring Creek is an academic and recreational summer camp supporting dyslexic children ages 6-14. The camp facility is located in Bakersville and was founded by Steve and Susie van der Vorst.
Susie and Steve met at a camp for children with dyslexia in New York in the late 1980s. In 2002, Steve and Susie went to work for a similar camp in Colorado; it was there that they decided to start Camp Spring Creek.
"There are currently only two other camps in the entire country that can be compared to ours," said Susie. "What these camps and Camp Spring Creek have in common is that we are all residential camps that strictly adhere to the Orton-Gillingham philosophy of teaching in a one-on-one setting. We are one of only three residential camps accredited by the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators. We're very proud of that fact!"
Dyslexia can be a real challenge to overcome, yet some of the most successful people in history had dyslexia, including Winston Churchill, Thomas Edison, and Walt Disney. Some modern day people who have dyslexia are Robin Williams, Tom Cruise, Henry Winkler, and Charles Schwab. This is proof that with enough understanding and support, people with dyslexia can lead lives of accomplishment.
"It is for exactly this reason that it's so crucial kids have access to programs like the one offered at Camp Spring Creek," said Susie.
Camp Spring Creek is active in training educators, parents, and community members who express an interest in becoming more effective in their efforts to help all children, but especially those with dyslexia. Visit www.campspringcreek.org or on Facebook for more information about this uinque camp and how it's changing the lives of children and families all over the world.