Handicamp: A Fellowship Retreat for Adults with a Mental Disability

This documentary follows two first-time volunteer companions at Handicamp, which is a recreational camp for adults with mental disabilities.

Sean is a long-time camper who has Down Syndrome, and this year he is paired with Jeff for the week. They quickly form a tight bond, and Jeff is able to break down Sean's jovial facade and get down to the core issues of his life. Sean is aware of his disability, and he wonders why he's alone and still living at home with his parents. He also wonders why he can't fall in love and why he doesn't have many friends. These are tough issues for Jeff to respond to, and he can't provide Sean with all of the answers. But he can focus on building a relationship with Sean and planting seeds for a long-lasting friendship beyond Handicamp.

Bonnie has been coming to Handicamp for two years and knows how to have a good time. She never stops laughing and is amused with the simple pleasures in life. Bonnie is known to love her volunteer companion one second and then hate her the next second which makes her a difficult camper to match up. Fortunately, Bonnie is paired with a teenager named Diane who becomes one of the best friends that Bonnie has ever had.

Produced by Kent Bye
Music by Gwen Mitchell
More info on Handycamp & Lutheran Disability Ministries can be found here: http://www.ldminc.org/index.html

Kent Bye
Producer & Director: Kent Bye
Music: Gwen Mitchell