Michigan Sea Grant Extension Educator Angela Scapini is working to develop and grow a partnership that brings Great Lakes programs to kids and young adults with disabilities.
Last summer, Angela spent four weeks with 32 day-campers through the St. Clair Shores Adaptive Playground Program (APP). The program hosts a summer camp that promotes a fun, positive, and inclusive environment for participants aged 5-26 with cognitive and physical disabilities.
The camp is based at Veteran’s Memorial Park, a waterfront park in St. Clair Shores. Through a pilot partnership between Michigan Sea Grant and APP, Angela was able to adapt her existing programming about fishing, aquatic life, and the Great Lakes to better serve the campers and their needs. She worked with the campers multiple times over several weeks, each week featuring a different activity related to the lake.
In a thank-you note, APP Assistant Director Paige Zuccaro wrote, “[Angela] brought so much curiosity and excitement to every lesson. What truly stood out was [her] kindness, patience, and ability to connect with each camper, regardless of their disability. Their enthusiasm made science come alive and created an inclusive, hands-on learning environment where every camper felt valued and capable.”
After a successful first summer, Angela plans to return for multiple visits during the 2026 camp session. Follow the Adaptive Playground Program on Facebook to learn about upcoming summer opportunities.
