Every1Camp Returns to Union City, Bringing a Day of Inclusion and Fun to Local Families

UNION CITY — An event centered on inclusion, encouragement, and family is returning to the Union City area as Every1Camp brings its Erie County event to Union City High School on Tuesday, July 21.

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The free camp is designed for children in kindergarten through 12th grade with intellectual or physical disabilities and offers a variety of adapted sports and recreational activities in an environment built around participation rather than competition. Parents are required to remain with their children throughout the event, and siblings are welcome to participate.

While Every1Camp hosts camps in communities across Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio and Indiana, the Union City event serves as the organization’s Erie County location, giving local families the opportunity to participate close to home. Channel 98.9 radio in Corry is once again serving as the official media partner for the Erie County Every1Camp event.

Founder Reed Warner said the camp was created to provide an experience many children with disabilities don’t often receive.

“What keeps it personal for me is knowing how often kids with disabilities are told no, left out, or made to feel like something was not built for them,” Warner said. “At Every1Camp, we try to create the exact opposite experience. We want every kid to walk in and feel like this was made for them. Seeing their confidence grow over just a couple of hours is something I never get tired of.”

Every1Camp is staffed by New York State-certified physical education teachers who specialize in adapted physical education. Activities are modified so children of varying abilities can participate, and organizers emphasize that there is no expectation for campers to be athletic or experienced in sports.

For Warner, some of the most meaningful moments don’t come from the games themselves.

“There have been a lot of moments, but honestly, it is usually the parents that get me,” he said. “We have had parents tell us their child has never been able to attend a camp before, or that they have never seen them participate so freely. When you see a parent watching their child laugh, play, and be included without having to explain or apologize for anything, that really captures why it matters.”

The event is made possible entirely through community sponsorships, allowing families to attend at no cost. According to Every1Camp, sponsorship dollars help pay for adaptive sports equipment, trained staff, interpreters, insurance, camp T-shirts and facility expenses. Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses and organizations at several levels, beginning at $250.

Warner hopes parents who may be uncertain about attending will simply give it a try.

“I would tell them not to overthink it and just come,” he said. “Your child does not need to be athletic, social, or able to do every activity. There is no pressure at all. We meet every child where they are, and parents stay with them the whole time. The goal is simply for your family to feel welcomed, comfortable, and celebrated.”

The Erie County Every1Camp will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 21, at Union City High School, 105 Concord Street. Families can register their children, and businesses interested in becoming sponsors can learn more by visiting Every1Camp.com. Sponsorship information is available through the website’s sponsorship page.