PASCO COUNTY, Fla. – This year marks the 27th year of PACK Summer Camp.
Things you need to know PACK (Pasco Association for Children with Disabilities) was founded in 1997.
This summer camp accepts children with disabilities who cannot be accommodated at other camps.
PACK relies on state funding to keep it affordable for families and also accepts donations.
PACK stands for Pasco Association for Challenged Kids, and the camp accepts children with disabilities that other camps can’t accommodate.
The camp was founded by Paula and Barry Cohen in 1997. They started the camp because their son, Gregory, who has autism, needed a place to spend the summers.
“We said Gregory couldn’t be the only kid with a disability who needed something to do in the summer, and 27 years later we were right,” Barry Cohen said.
Nearly 30 years later, they continue to camp as the need for camping continues to grow in Pasco County.
This summer, PACK is hosting 40 participants for a three-week camp at Pepen Academy in New Port Richey.
Children who need constant attention can get it. They can participate in a multitude of activities with one goal in mind – to have fun.
PACK relies on state funding to keep its services affordable for families and also accepts donations.
Cohen says he wants to continue this work for as long as he can to meet the needs of the community.
“I can’t believe we’ve been doing this for this long. There are so many kids in Pasco County who need this service, so I’m glad we’re still doing it,” Cohen said.