Impact: Swinging in Wonderland

Camp operators make planned gift to School of Health Professions

Charlie Miller, BS EE ’30, was a graduate of the MU College of Engineering who also had a dream of providing a meaningful and fun camping activity for persons with mental and physical limitations. Charlie’s dream came true in the spring of 1969 when he opened Wonderland Camp near Rocky Mount, Mo.

Erin Reynolds is one of the 142 counselors who help make the Wonderland Camp experience a great one for campers.

Since then, MU physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech-language pathology students have worked as counselors and therapists there. Now, his son Keith, BJ ’62, is giving a legacy to both of Charlie’s loves, engineering and the School of Health Professions, through a cash and planned gift donation. The School of Health Professions will evenly split a $382,000 planned gift with the College of Engineering. The money will be used for scholarships for physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech-language students.

Wonderland Camp, operated by its foundation board of directors, provides a fun, educational experience for its campers. From 80 campers and staff that first season, it has grown to 1,516 campers and 142 counselors during the 2006 season.

Counselors offer personal attention as campers enjoy arts and crafts, swimming, a BB gun range, softball, soccer and a specially equipped playground. Accessible cabins include large shower, bathroom and laundry facilities to accommodate 18 campers and their counselors. Wonderland’s open admittance policy accepts all campers except those with extreme behavioral problems, and campers from age six to age 80 have enjoyed the facility through the years.

Theme weeks such as the 50s, “Under the Sea,” pirates and space aliens keep activities fresh and interesting. Some weeks campers with special needs such as Prader Willi syndrome or traumatic brain injury are grouped together.Campers come from across the country, with this summer’s Prader Willi week featuring attendees from 17 states. A week at Wonderland Camp offers campers opportunities they might otherwise miss. Keith Miller points with pride to a wildlife mural that decorates the camp’s dining hall.

“Everything we can see here at camp, except the bear, is on that mural,” Miller says. “We see deer, bats, raccoons, birds of all types, even eagles. The artist included the bear because it happened to be ‘bear’ week when she was here. She said ‘We just have to have the bear!’ ”

The camp’s foundation board and the Millers hope to build even more on Charlie Miller’s vision. The planned construction of a cover and large sliding doors around the swimming pool will allow the camp to add two months to either end of its mid-May to mid-August schedule. Long-range plans include building a $2.5 million gymnasium/ meeting room complex that will include basketball courts and an indoor track.

Serving as president of the camp foundation board and seeing his father’s dream live on is a satisfying experience for Miller, one that is realized every time he sees the excitement in the eyes of a camper or a parent who enjoys the camp.

“There’s no question about that,” Miller says. “We do care and I think the schedule allows the campers to take part in as many activities as they want to. On the other hand, if they don’t want to participate, if they just want to watch, that’s OK too.”

Judy Miller adds, “We’re very accepting of who they are. They are not treated differently than any other person. They feel comfortable and for many it’s just a real peaceful adventure.”

Keith Miller is pleased to be able to fund the scholarships. “These are people who either will be or are students in physical therapy, occupational therapy and other rehabilitation areas and who will be making a difference in people’s lives,” he says. “They can further their education here and get some real-life training.”

Health care advances are helping persons with disabilities live longer, more active lives. “The School of Health Professions is growing just as our camp need is growing,” Judy Miller says. “There’s going to be an even greater need for both of our services. We’re the best kept secret around but if you happen to be someone who needs us, you know we’re going to be here for you.”

Persons interested in working at Wonderland Camp can contact Marcella Trujillo, program director, at 573-392-1000 or visit the Wonderland Camp Web site.