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Pop-a-balloon, airbrush tattoos and inflatable slides were just a few of the many activities on display during Damar Services Inc.'s 2026 Fair Day.
The fair, which was hosted inside the gym on Damar's main 83-acre Indianapolis campus because of inclement weather, is part of the organization's summer camp programming.
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From June 1 to July 31, youth ages 6 to 21 with developmental disabilities rotate through 45-minute activity blocks that include sports, art, swimming, nature activities and fitness-based games. The camp's programming is designed to support participants' physical health, skill-building and individualized treatment goals.
During the fair, upbeat pop tunes blasted through the gym as campers joyously bounced from activity to activity, racing to get in line for face painting or eagerly waiting for a turn at ring-a-bottle. Dozens of volunteers were spread throughout the space, handing out stuffed-animal prizes and serving traditional carnival treats such as elephant ears and lemonade shake-ups.
Steven Rose, Damar's recreation coordinator, said events such as Fair Day are modeled after social activities found in the broader community and replicated on Damar's campus to help participants navigate them more easily once they transition out.
There is also a therapeutic component to the summer camp, including music therapy and a sensory gym for participants who enjoy textures or have sensory needs.
"We had a kid not too long ago move through our music therapy program, and he found out he loves rock music," Rose said with amusement. "It soothes him."
Camper Paul Smith, 17, said his favorite part of summer camp has been the music room, where participants learn to play the piano, guitar and drums. He said the camp has been a great way for him and his peers to connect and express their emotions through positive outlets.
Rose said participants pour their hearts into each of the summer camp's activities, which he said is a testament to the program's impact.
"If you look around, you'll see these kids are at their happiest when they're in this environment," Rose said. "I've had kids tell me that this is the best time they've had in a long time."
Rose said the broader community often overlooks the population Damar serves, making programs like the summer camp essential.
"Just coming in and putting all of our efforts into making sure they're doing well and have everything they need is an amazing thing to be a part of," Rose said.
What is your organization's mission?
According to Damar's website, its mission for over 50 years has been to provide treatment and support to people facing developmental, intellectual and behavioral challenges. The organization's summer camp is intended to support participants' physical health, skill-building and individualized treatment goals.
How many people do you serve?
Shawn Collinsworth, the president of the Damar Foundation, Inc., said Damar serves around 17,000 kids and adults, ranging from age two to geriatric or end of life, across its 62 service lines and three residential campuses in Indianapolis, East Chicago and Richmond. He said majority of Damar's campus clients are referals from the Department of Child Services.
Damar's summer camp serves a little over 200 kids across their community and campuses.
What is your organization's No. 1 need?
Collinsworth said the Damar Foundation relies on funding and grant support to provide experiences and extras for its clients throughout the year, including Fair Day and Damar Games in the summer months and Damar Prom and the Damar Elf Program in the later seasons.
How can people get involved?
"I call it time, talent and treasure, and we're always looking for somebody to fill any of those needs," Collinsworth said. He said on the top right of Damar's website people can join their volunteer list or follow their newsletter to find opportunities to get involved in Damar's seasonal programing. He said on the treasure side, Damar couldn't do what it does without financial donations.
"What's unique about Damar is we don't have a natural donor base," Collinsworth said. "Our donors mostly don't have any tie to Damar or Damar Programs at all. They simply have empathy and understand there's a need and want to help."
About Damar
Phone number: (317) 856-5201
Website: Damar.org
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Through Season for Sharing, IndyStar collects donations for the Summer Youth Program Fund, a partnership that supports high-quality summer programs serving about 50,000 Marion County youth each year.
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Grace Randolph is an Ida B. Wells investigative intern for the Indianapolis Star. She can be reached at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: At Damar summer camp, kids with disabilities have fun and build skills
