BY PHIL CUSTODIO
Clarkston News Editor
Hundreds of walkers, runners, and people on bikes, scooters, wheelchairs, and/or with their dogs will fill Depot Park for Clarkston SCAMP Walk and Roll, May 5.
Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, the event is the main fund raiser for the annual summer camp for people with special needs, said Aimee Baker, executive director of North Oakland SCAMP Funding Corporation.
“It’s a big party in the park with over 750 people, music and games,” Baker said.
The event started as a way for Clarkston elementary schools to help SCAMP and has grown to involve local businesses and the whole community.
“We see a lot of SCAMPers at the event, too,” she said. “It’s a chance for them to give back and volunteer.”
Walk and Roll is still a big event for the schools, as they compete for the coveted Golden Shoe award. Created by Springfield Plains Elementary students to honor the top earner of pledges and sponsorships each year, the bronzed set of tennis shoes has resided at Clarkston Elementary for quite a while. Others have their eyes on it, though, Baker said.
“Independence Elementary wanted it so badly last year and they came so close. This year they’ll try again,” she said. “I love to visit with the schools and see the kids who have worked so hard to help us give SCAMPers a fun summer experience. It’s a great way to teach kids to help others in their community.”
Check in is at 11:30 a.m., Sunday, May 5, for the one- and three-mile routes through local neighborhoods, both beginning and ending in Depot Park.
“It’s an easy route for kids and families,” she said.
The event, which will be rain or shine, will include a DJ, free hot dogs and chips, games, cross fit circuit, and bounce house. Super heroes will be there to cheer the kids on. A dog contest is set for 1 p.m. with three categories, best trick, waggiest tail, and dog most want to bring home. Winners get a basket of prizes.
All proceeds go to SCAMP, which has about 200 campers every summer. More than half need financial aid, Baker said.
“Many elementary school teachers make the walk part of a year long academic service learning project,” she said. “This gives the kids a true sense of ownership for the money they are able to donate.”
Donations of items are also welcome, including fishing poles for campers to use during beach day at Independence Oaks County Park and plastic wagons to pull SCAMPers during field trips into town.
“It’s a long way for some of the kids to walk,” she said.
Sponsorship opportunities are available, include for the purchase of three-wheeled scooters used by campers for activities outdoors. The gym at Clarkston Junior High will not be available to SCAMP this year due to construction, so more activities have to move outside. This year’s SCAMP will be from June 24-July 31 at Clarkston Junior High. With no upper age limit, campers have ranged in age from 3-47 years old.
“A lot of Clarkston students as student aides, and teachers also work there,” she said. “They students take it very seriously. There’s stiff competition to get jobs. Many go on to special education, physical therapy, and social work.”
A pledge of at least $25 gets you a T-shirt. Call 248-623-8089 for more information.