July 23, 2020 3:30 a.m.

Like nearly everything else in 2020, PartnerSports Camp could not take place in quite the same way this year.

The Douglas Education Service District and the YMCA of Douglas County are planning to provide a special celebration this summer for what would have been the 15th year of the camp in Douglas County.

A release from ESD said the camp is a two-week event that pairs campers with partners without disabilities for a fun-filled learning experience featuring various sports like tennis, basketball, and swimming, along with traditional activities such as hiking, fishing, crafts and campfire cooking. Due to COVID-19, this year’s camp, which would have been in July, was canceled.

As an alternative the Douglas ESD and the YMCA are hosting an event to celebrate everyone who would have participated in camp this year. For the last ten days campers have been able to enjoy at-home daily activities such as yoga, Zumba, and making ice-cream. Campers have been encouraged to make short videos highlighting their involvement in the activities.

This Saturday, campers and partners will meet in the YMCA parking lot at 9:30 a.m. to take part in a car parade. Families are encouraged to decorate their vehicles. The parade will begin at 10:00 a.m. The route will include Stewart Parkway, Northeast Garden Valley Boulevard, Northeast Stephens Street and West Harvard Avenue. The parade will end in the YMCA parking lot where a brief ceremony will commemorate camper and partner participation. The event will conclude at 12:00 p.m. Due to health and safety concerns, participants must remain in their cars.

More information about the event is available at https://douglasesd.k12.or.us/special-education/partnersports-camp.