Thirty special needs adults, including some from Marion County, got to be the life of the party on Saturday at William Carey’s Camp Rocky Creek. The camp was set up and organized by music therapy students from WCU was at Pine Belt on Broad Street.
This is the 30th year of Camp Rocky Creek, which was founded by Paul Cotten who was over the music therapy program at the university until 2008 when Jim Pierce took over. Originally it was planned as a three-day retreat, but the camp was destroyed when Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005. Instead of closing the camp down completely, Cotten partnered with the Pine Belt Mental Health Resources in Columbia and together created a day-camp offering a rotation of different activities.
A total of 30 music therapy students put together the agenda, including arts and crafts, songwriting, musical Jeopardy and drums. Through the use of music, the adults respond and are able to relax and have fun. Assistant Professor of Music Peyton Davis said it was about giving the adults a better quality of life and sense of purpose.
“It makes them feel like they are a part of the community,” Davis said.
As the adults were coming in, smiles were everywhere. Many of them came up to students and staff members with hugs, so happy to see them.
The music they use in the program is music each of the adults know so they are able to enjoy it and become more involved. When it would come to an adult’s turn you could see the smiles brighten up their faces from the excitement of having the attention on them.
The adults come through the Pine Belt Mental Health Center and travel from Jefferson Davis, Forrest, Jones, Lamar and Marion counties for this once-a-year camp.
Davis said the school does various types of programs throughout the year so they can only come to Columbia once a year for the day camp. However, all of the staff, including those with Pine Belt and students, give up their Saturday to spend the day with these individuals.
Student President Jewel Lynne said the event this year went smoother than it has in previous years. She also said they had a great group of clients.
“A lot of people don’t realize how important music therapy is,” Lynne said.
She also said she loves their reactions.
“It is amazing to watch the joy and excitement of their faces at the camp,” she said.
The camp breaks barriers and allow the students to see the adults beyond what is written in textbooks and an individual full of life and love.
