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CHARLOTTE — More than 300 campers and more than 250 volunteers took part in Camp SOAR 2011 June 13-17 at the Levine Jewish Community Center in Charlotte.

Pictured: Charlotte Catholic High School senior Jimmy Webster is pictured with his buddy Neville Reynolds at the annual Camp SOAR. (Photos provided by Al Tinson)

Camp founder Bob Bowler expressed his gratitude to the nearly 100 students and several alumni from Charlotte Catholic High School who served in a variety of positions during the week-long summer camp for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. In addition to providing a significant percentage of vital manpower as "buddies," the high school also coordinated the volunteer effort of their students and again administration donated the use of buses and drivers so that campers could bowl at Carolina Lanes in Matthews.

"We could not operate the camp without the large number of volunteers we get from many organizations and the Catholic High students, serving as group leaders, medical and support staff, and buddies to the campers provide invaluable assistance," Bowler said.

Several members of the Charlotte Catholic Lady Cougars state champion women's soccer team, and other members of Charlotte Soccer Academy, led campers in learning soccer skills. CSA program director Jamie Luckie said this was the seventh year his program has been involved with Camp SOAR. Luckie indicated the CSA partnership with the camp is important and noted his players look forward to it every year.

A similar view was offered by SwimMAC Carolina head coach Patty Waldron. Twenty of their swimmers came out again this year and, Waldron said, they always enjoy working with the campers.

— Al Tinson

Four members of the Fiato family were among the volunteers from the Charlotte Catholic who volunteered at Camp SOAR, including (from left) CCHS graduates Joe and Nicole, who were group leaders, junior Elizabeth and incoming freshman Chris.