Exceptional Georgetown Alliance Empowers Students with Disabilities
When Georgetown ISD had to discontinue its free adaptive summer camps due to funding constraints, a group of determined parents and educators stepped up. “We realized how significant the camps were in our kids’ lives. If we don’t have those opportunities for kids, they’ll sit on the couch all summer. We wanted to make sure they stayed engaged, active, and connected, so we started the Exceptional Georgetown Alliance,” says Dede Harper, EGA board president.
Since 2010, the nonprofit has been dedicated to providing sports programs and summer camps for children and young adults with developmental disabilities in Georgetown ISD. “Our programs are for anyone who has disabilities, not just those with high-level special needs,” Dede says. “They’re for students who might not be able to talk or walk. We want the kids within GISD, no matter their disability level, to have access to recreational opportunities.”
Summer of Fun and Connections
EGA’s summer camps offer an inclusive environment where participants can form friendships, build social skills, and create lasting memories. Designed for students from kindergarten through adulthood, the camp features activities like arts and crafts, swimming lessons at Georgetown Parks and Recreation facilities, outings to parks and bowling alleys, and even sensory-friendly experiences like last year’s dough modeling with Domino’s. Many of the camps are led by special education teachers who already know the students, making the experience fun and personalized. “The heart of the camps is providing opportunities for campers to socialize with each other and the community,” Dede says.
This year’s camps will run for two weeks in June and two weeks in July. Registration opens March 24 for Georgetown residents and March 25 for non-residents. Camp fees are $165 for residents and $210 for non-residents, covering four days of fun-filled activities. Scholarships are available, with applications opening in February and recipients announced in March. Scholarship applications are available at exceptionalgeorgetown.org.
To register for the camp, visit georgetowntx.gov, search for camps, and select “Let’s Make Friends Adaptive Camps.”
Game Time: Sports with a Purpose
During the school year, EGA ramps up the action with inclusive sports programs in partnership with Georgetown and East View high schools. In the winter, students are invited to join a basketball team at East View High School, where they play alongside varsity athletes in a fun and supportive environment. Spring brings baseball season at Georgetown High School, where participants enjoy the thrill of playing on a field while building camaraderie with teammates. In every season, EGA athletes are invited to regular season athletic events as special guests of the varsity athletes and they all delight in being recognized and posing for photos with their mentors in uniform.
The programs are free and participants from neighboring cities are welcome to join. Families can sign up by emailing [email protected].
Pitch in for a Cause
As an all-volunteer organization, EGA relies on donations, sponsorships, and helping hands. The organization’s success is driven by the community, with annual events like a Boo Run in October, which raises funds for camp scholarships, supplies, T-shirts, as well as a nurse to support campers with medical issues. “Whether it’s fundraising, volunteering, or joining our board, we’re always looking for people who are passionate about supporting our mission,” Dede says.
To learn more about EGA, check out its Facebook page or visit exceptionalgeorgetown.org.