WESTFIELD, Mass. - For almost 50 years, the goal of Kamp for Kids in Westfield has been creating an inclusive summer experience where kids with different abilities can have fun and feel safe.

Some of the campers say it's been a blast.

"Hanging out with people. I just have a lot of friends here," said Kamp for Kids member Colin Jutz.

"I like the fact that I can interact with other people and just have fun here because summer gets boring sometimes because you're just sitting in your room alone, Kamp For Kids member Natalie Audet. 

The camp partners with Behavioral Health Network and the state’s Department of Developmental Services.

It integrates kids without disabilities with others who have them to promote understanding.

Most of its counselors are hired through a DDS internship program which trains young people for careers in human services.

"How to redirect behaviors," said Behavioral Health Network Program Director Anne Benoit. "How to understand the different aspect of things like reactive attachment disorder and autism spectrum disorder which varies from camper to camper who fall on the spectrum and to understand how to work as a team."

Benoit said they’ll do traditional activities like playing outdoors and doing arts and crafts.

But will adjust to meet the sensory needs of each camper.

It's a labor of love for the counselors.

"I always wanted to be a nurse but working here really brought out that I wanted to be a nurse working with children especially children with special needs," said Kamp For Kids camp counselor Jazmin Shelton. "I noticed a lot of people know different diagnoses like autism and ADHD and all these different spectrums so they don't get the care they need."

And this place works to create a space for fun under the sun for all.

"I like when we play in the playground, have fun in the spray park and doing rec," said Kamp For Kids member Jayden Francis. 

"I like the activities, they're really fun and engaging as well," Audet said.