Spreading a Little Sunshine for Children

The Sunshine Physically Challenged Foundation in Vancouver, Washington operates summer camps for children with various disabilities. For over 35 years, nearly 3,500 children have attended a Sunshine Summer Camp at no charge to participants and their families. Matson recently made a $1,500 donation to the Sunshine Physically Challenged Foundation, 100% of which goes directly to camper services.

Located in Battle Ground, Washington, Sunshine operates summer camps for children with various disabilities. Their mission is to provide cost-free learning and recreational activities to disabled children who may not otherwise receive such opportunities.

Matson first supported Sunshine more than 20 years ago. Beginning with just one camp in 1986, Sunshine saw a need for a free camp for children with physical and mental challenges. According to Sunshine, many children with disabilities spend numerous hours in and out of clinics or going to doctor visits and therapy. Sunshine offers a chance for the kids to spend time just being kids. Many families with disabled children find themselves in difficult financial situations and may not be able to afford extracurricular activities like Sunshine Summer Camp.

“We feel the children leave the camps with greater self-esteem, sensory awareness, motor dexterity, problem-solving along with social skills and friendships, plus a willingness to try new adventures, an element that is tantamount for disabled children,” said Sunshine Director, Barry Klettke.

Activities include horseback riding, go-karts, adaptive bike riding, archery, swimming, fishing, zip-lining, the Sonics Wheelchair Basketball Team, and much more.

“We here at Sunshine Summer Camp would like to thank the Matson Giving program for supporting us. Your generous donation will allow us to send more kids to camps for disabled and challenged children free of charge. From all the campers, their volunteer counselors, the nurses, and the staff, we thank you!”