Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, August 8, 1993 TAG: 9308070010
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: MICHAEL CSOLLANY STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: WIRTZ LENGTH: Medium
Taking in a little fishing, the 10-year-old from Montgomery County explained the best part of the camping experience - the folks at the Smith Mountain Lake 4-H Educational Center treated him like any other kid.
That's important when you have cerebral palsy and are bound to a wheelchair most days.
But Michael's condition doesn't stop him from liking to do the things boys do.
"I love to fish. If I could, I would fish 24 hours a day," he said, casting his lure.
His sister, Hillary, nodded.
Up until last summer, Michael's trip to camp would have been impossible because the 4-H camp was not accessible to people in wheelchairs. Dr. Joyce Martin, the extension agent for 4-H youth in Montgomery County, explained that it was her organization's philosophy to fix that problem.
"Renovations were made last June, because 4-H wanted to be available to all youth regardless of race, sex, creed or handicap," she said. "People don't realize the value of this camp, and now it's open to all youth."
The 119-acre center renovated an existing lodge and added an extension to create a barrier-free conference center.
The work cost more than $800,000 and was funded by a variety of sources including a $56,000 grant from the state, according to Ted Carroll, director of development at the center.
The new building was named after the late Tillman Hepler and his wife, Ruth Jamison, - a veteran extension agent in Montgomery County and a Home Furnishings specialist at Virginia Tech, respectively.
Living in the new building, Michael Elmore was able to enjoy everything the camp had to offer.
"I've been to a lot of camps, and this is the best one," he said, strumming on a guitar in music class. "For one thing, they let me choose my activities."
Michael is considering a career in music. "I started playing guitar when I was 5, but I broke every string when I began," he said with a smile. His love for music began in the hospital where they played it "24 hours a day." He said he hopes to start a band and play music like Lynyrd Skynyrd or George Thorogood play.
But first, he has to complete fifth grade at Falling Branch Elementary School in Christiansburg.
At camp, Michael and his 15-year-old sister also took classes in fishing, tie-dying and glass painting.
Afternoons frequently meant swimming in the camp pool. While Michael Elmore has a difficult time getting around on land, he's a regular fish in the water.
His trip to camp was financed by the Montgomery County Rotary Club, which donated a $170 scholarship for Michael and his sister, Martin said.
The 24-year-old camp not only meant accessibility, it seemed to provide acceptability, too.
"Some people at home make fun of me because I'm handicapped," Michael said.
That was not the case at camp. "I've made four new friends," he said.
Michael even mentioned another reason why he likes camp.
He has a crush on one of his instructors, he confessed before turning bright red.
by CNB