BY MATT MACKINDER
Clarkston News Editor

The Walk and Roll event, benefiting Clarkston SCAMP, is returning live after a two-year hiatus.
The event is Sunday, May 1, at Depot Park, with registration starting at 11:30 a.m. and finishing at 3 p.m.  There will be one- and three-mile loops participants can use for walking, running, biking, scooting, and wheelchairing.
Kids also gather pledges for the walk and then their schools compete to see which school gets the most pledges.  The school that raises the most money wins the coveted “Golden Shoe” award.  Independence Elementary has won the last two years but had some very stiff competition.
“It is fun to be able to have this event back in the park again this year,” said SCAMP Board President Anne Evans. “We have missed seeing all the kids and SCAMPers there.”
“Raising someone with special needs takes a village and is very expensive,” added SCAMP Executive Director Aimee Baker. “Our mission has always been to keep costs as low as possible for families. With that said, more than half of our campers require financial aid either partially or fully. Our fundraisers throughout the year enable us to give these campers a fun summer full of experiences that many of them have never been able to have. We strive to offer opportunities to all of our SCAMPers which is a great challenge due to the fact that ages range from three to upwards of 50 and each camper has unique abilities and needs.
“We want each camper to have experiences that bring them joy and pride while at the same time keeping them safe and engaged. It takes a lot of staff and a lot of money. We are so appreciative for all of the support that our community offers us.  Year after year, we ask, and they deliver.”
After the walk, there will be free hot dogs and chips at Depot Park, along with a Kona Ice truck, bounce house, DJ, dog contest at 1 p.m., games, prizes, and raffles.
SCAMP is a five-week summer day camp program for children and young adults with disabilities. SCAMP supports individuals with a wide range of special needs, including autism spectrum disorders, physical disabilities, and cognitive or emotional impairments.
Register to be a sponsor at clarkstonscamp.org/ walk-and-roll. More info, call 248-623-8089, or email nosfc@clarkston.k12.mi.us.

PHOTO: The Walk and Roll is Clarkston SCAMP’s biggest yearly fundraiser. File photo