HISTORY of CAMP UP:
Camp Up was created by Leslie Wascom, an Adapted Physical Education teacher and Jessica Bonura, an SD/A (Significant Disabilties/Autism) special education teacher in 2015. God put Camp Up on our hearts! We were inspired to create an inclusive camp where students of ALL abilties could attend together! By the next year, 2016, we started planning for a fun summer camp at Live Oak High School that would be for individuals with and without execeptionalalities. We wanted to create a place that provided opportunites for campers ages 3 years and up, school age, all about inclusivity, building friendships and acceptance! What better way to do that than providing a platform through a varity of fun and creative activities. The camp included several water slides, games, arts and crafts, a guest speacker, pop corn and a movie to end the day. It was a hugh success because of God's favor. We will be forever grateful to have a community of support for all these years! Our camp has expanded from just summer to several camps throughout the entire year! All glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely than we might ask or think!
Camp up: a camp for all abilities!
Camp Up promotes social integration, fosters friendships, builds self-confidence and empowers individuals to reach their full potential in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Outdoor & Indoor Adventures
Outdoor games, water slides, hay rides, hiking, a playground, snowballs, ice cream, indoor games, inflatables, and crafts have all been included at our camps!
arts & CRAFTS
Campers are encouraged to express their creative side with a variety of arts and crafts. We've included painting, drawing, color runs, cookie decorating and much more at our camps!
A Variety of activites
At each camp, teamwork, good sportsmanship and movement is encouraged! We've included indoor jumpers, inflatable slides, water games, cardio drumming, dancing and even had snow delivered!
Support provided
Our camp proudly serves individuals with special needs. With a team of compassionate professionals and a caring atmosphere, we provide support, accommodations and modifications as needed. Camp UP is a camp accessible to ALL!
about Camp Up!
Camp UP is a place where everyone feels welcome, respected, and valued! Friendships are cultivated, unique strenths are discovered and personal growth is fostered at Camp Up! Camp is held at a variety of locations and times. We can accommodate 45 to 60 campers. Our four groups include: 3 to 5 year olds, 6 to 8 year olds, 9 to 11 year olds; and, 12 years old & up. Each camper is assigned a counselor and an adult is assigned to each group. Camp Up provides a para-professional to assist with all personal needs a camper may require. Camp is 4 hours. The groups rotate between several fun activites. Each camp registration form will include, the theme, date, time, location, price and activities.
Contact us for upcoming events
and registation information.
Co-Owner:
Leslie Wascom has been teaching Adapted Physcial Education for 19 years. She has a degree in Kinesiology and Health studies with a Minor in Adapted Physical Education and a Masters in Educational Leadership. She has been married for 20 years to her husband, Kris, who is an engineer for LADOTD. Together they have 2 children. Her oldest, Jude is 14 yrs old and is in 8th grade. He has played baseball, takes piano and violin lessons, and has been in Talented Theatre for the Live Oak school area for 7 years. Her youngest, Eden, is 11 years old, and is in 5th grade. She plays rec and travel softball. Her main positon is catcher. She is also in Talented Theatre for the Live Oak school area, and has been in Theatre for 2 years. They attend Victory Harvent Church and Amite Baptist church. As a family they LOVE to travel!
Co -Owner:
Jessica Bonura is a special education teacher and has taught in the area of SD/A (significant disabilities/autism) for 19 years. She has a bachelor's degree and is cerfified in special education (K-12) and elementary education (1-8th). She has been married to her husband, Ben, Sr., for 31 years and together they have 3 children and 2 precious grands! Her oldest son, Benjamin, Jr., is an assistant in her classroom. He has Down Syndome and has been a blessing since his arrival 27 years ago! Her middle child, Brody, 26, has served in the armed forces for 8 years and is currently working as a police officer with the NOPD. He and his wife, Ramsay, have 2 children, Val, 3 yrs, and Hallie, 1 yr. Her daughter, Mason, 25 yrs, is a nurse at Women's Hospital. Mason's husband, Cody, is a firefighter in St. George. They attend Abundant Life Church. Jessica has a passion for teaching individuals with exceptionalities and has thoroughtly enjoyed her 19 yrs serving individuals with exceptionalities! When she isn't teaching, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends!
Check Us Out
Contact Info
Address: 33916 CYPRESS BLUFF DR
Phone: (225) 252-1239
Email: leslie.wascom@lpsb.org
The next Camp UP :Sept 28th 1pm-6pm
Check us out on Facebook by clicking the link below!