Kamp Kirtland helps kids with disabilities participate in summer tradition Published July 30, 2015 By Ryan Stark Nucleus writer KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- For kids with developmental disabilities, getting to participate in the time-honored tradition of going off to summer camp can be something of a challenging. Enter Kamp Kirtland, which was created to help those kids take part in the experience, according to Kyshia Newsome of Kirtland's Airman and Family Readiness Center. "There are restrictions to other camps, and I was worried they would kind of be shuffled off to the side," she said. "This is their camp, and we're going to do everything that a regular camp does. They can go, and their special need isn't limiting." The camp, now in its second year, is Monday to Aug. 7. It is free for children ages 5 to 16 who have developmental disabilities. It can take up to 20 campers from Air Force, Department of Defense civilians and other qualifying families with base access. As of July 27, 11 of those slots are filled, Newsome said. Activities include field trips to Cliff's Amusement Park to play in the water park, painting ceramics and Cloud Dancers therapeutic horseback riding. They will also visit We Rock the Spectrum, a kids' gym for all children, including those with developmental disabilities. Registrations will be accepted until Monday morning, Newsome said, so long as there are still slots open. Parents must also provide a medical clearance for their child to ride a horse. Siblings and other close relatives, ages 5 to 13, can also attend, Newsome said. "I want the children to have fun and not just end up sitting there not doing anything because they don't know anybody," she said. The camp is funded by the Air Force Exceptional Family Member Program. For more information, call 853-1717.