For the past several years, I have visited Camp Escapades, an innovative two-week summer day camp for children aged 5-14 with special needs and developmental delays, hosted by Pediatric Therapy Network (PTN). I leave Camp Escapades each year with my spirits lifted.
Overseeing the program is a highly trained multidisciplinary camp team, including three occupational therapists with numerous years of camp experience. But the one-on-one teen volunteers who are each child’s “buddy” throughout the week gain my respect the most. The interactions between the volunteers and their buddies are priceless.
I was greeted this year by Terri Nishimura, Chief Executive Officer of PTN, and one of the founding directors of the organization. While I was there, I attended the PTN’s annual community basketball game at Camp Escapades, which featured special guests, including NBA legend Derek Fisher, the Laker girls, and the LA Kings Mascot, Bailey. Additionally, community friends of PTN, local legislators, and fire and police personnel participated in the game. The teams, which went well above the normal 5 on 5, played against the Camp Escapades children. There were cheers for both teams as spectators lined the court. It was heartwarming to see the generosity and kindness the players showed the children.
Pediatric Therapy Network was founded in 1996 by a handful of therapists, parents and volunteers who envisioned an organization that would provide the community with high quality therapy, research and education as it relates to fostering the best possible outcomes with children with special needs. PTN currently serves over 2500 children with special needs each year. Therapy services and programs are provided within a playful atmosphere at the state-of-the-art clinic, as well as schools, homes, and other community sites.
The Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce extends appreciation to PTN for their 15 years of active membership and wishes the organization a wonderful celebration of 20 years in Torrance!
by Donna Duperron
Donna is the President & CEO of the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce. Do you have questions about or concerns for business in Torrance? Donna would like to know. Feel free to contact her at any time.