[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 83 (Thursday, June 4, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1317]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNIZING THE BUDDY CAMP OF ALEXANDRIA, LA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RODNEY ALEXANDER

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 4, 2009

  Mr. ALEXANDER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
Buddy Camp of Alexandria, La., for enhancing the quality of life for 
many of this community's youth. I am privileged to have such a 
dedicated and compassionate group of individuals in my district.
  Buddy Camp was founded by Stacey Debevic for her own son, Kyle 
Debevic, who is bound to a wheelchair. Working as a pediatric 
occupational therapist and as the mother of a physically limited child, 
Stacey noticed there was little to no opportunity for children with 
disabilities to enjoy the experience of attending summer camp.
  After many years of planning, Buddy Camp was officially launched in 
the summer of 1999. Today, Buddy Camp is a community-wide project that 
allows children ages 5-12, both with and without developmental 
challenges, to participate in a week-long summer day camp. Held at the 
United Methodist Church of Alexandria, the camp places participants 
into buddy pairs to foster and develop friendships, as well as build 
confidence.
  As Buddy Camp looks forward to celebrating its 10th anniversary, the 
number of young people that have truly benefitted from the unique 
opportunities this program provides continues to grow.
  I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing the outstanding 
achievements of the Buddy Camp.

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