Image #1: Camp Cool Shave Ice Logo "end of image"

Image #2: Group picture of the Spring 2013 Camp Cool "Ocean Adventure" energetic campers, fabulous volunteers, and enthusiastic ATRC staff. "end of image"

We collaborated with the University of Hawaii's Center on Disability Studies (CDS) for this session of Camp Cool.  The location and staff support from CDS was appreciated.  Our interactive computer exploration program brought together 20 children, with and without disabilities, an amazing group of volunteers and our staff to learn, play and have fun together.  The ocean theme included four groupings - crabs, whales, jellyfish and octopus, working together.

Campers were brought to the "Campsite" by their parents/guardians.  With several returning campers, others were encouraged and supported to immediately participate in Camp Cool's well-known Ridiculous Riddles Game.

Throughout the two days 20 campers were very busy.  They were enthusiastic and excited about participating in different group activities and projects that entailed teamwork, collaboration, and of course technology, i.e. digital cameras, computers and iPads.  They also had an opportunity to interact with, learn from, and help others with differing abilities and styles.  

Big smiles on the faces of the campers at the end of the day convinced the staff and volunteers, though tired we were, that it was well worth the effort.  Campers were happy!  We look forward to another Camp Cool in the Fall.  Stayed tuned as the dates will be announced soon.

Thanks to all our great volunteers:

• Mr. Dave Balatico
• Mr. Craig Crisier
• Ms. Charmaine Crockett
• Ms. Melanie Hudson
• Mr. Michael Leong
• Ms. Sarah Lucero
• Ms. Annea Massimino
• Mr. Michael Meno
• Ms. Kerri Ann Nagaishi
• Mr. Kellen Rey
• Dr. Matthew Schmidt
• Ms. Nancy White 

Image #3: Team Jellyfish working on laptop computers exploring digital animation  with Crazy Talk software. "end of image"

Image #4: Team Crab posing with  their ocean globes! "end of image"

Image #5: Team Octopus posing with  their hand-made picture frames. "end of image"

Image #6: Tax forms, calculator and pen "end of image"

Aloha United Way is providing free income tax self-preparation and free federal and state filing for anyone making $57,000 or less.  To access this service go to Aloha United Way website (www.auw.org) and click on the My Free Taxes and you will land on an H&R Block at Home site where you can prepare and file your taxes.

In Person with an IRS - certified Volunteer Income Tax Preparer:  If you make $50,000 or less.  Call 211 or visit MyFreeTaxes.com to find a free tax site near you.

Image #7: Flat screen monitor with keyboard, mouse and hard drive. "end of image"

ATRC reformats and distributes donated computers for FREE to individuals with disabilities through its Computer Redistribution Program.

ATRC continues looking for working/reusable computers and laptops to serve more people.  Distribution is statewide.

If you're interested in receiving a computer through our Computer Redistribution Program or if you would like to donate to laptop/desktop computer to ATRC, please contact our Outreach Specialist, Kawika Shook, at 808-532-7115/toll free number at 1-800-645-3007, or email at kawika@atrc.org.

Look for ATRC at these community events:

1.  February 28: Moms in Hawaii (Side by Side) - New Hope Chapel, Waikele; 6:00 - 7:00 pm

2.  March 19 - 22: Learning Disabilities Association of Hawaii - 245 North Kukui Street; 12:00 - 1:00 pm

3.  April 6: Special Parent Information Network (SPIN) Conference - UH Manoa, Campus Center; 8:30 am - 12:00 pm

4.  April 19: Hawaii Speech - Language Hearing Association (HSHA) Annual Convention - Koolau Ballrooms; 9:00 am - 5:00 pm 

5.  April 29 - 30: Pacific Rim Conference on Disability and Diversity; Hawaii Convention Center; 8:30 am - 4:30 pm