Camp GLOW remains an anchor, even online

If times were normal, Crystal Wagner would be taking painting classes at The Arc Baltimore Day Center, and spending time with her boyfriend, Andrew, and her bowling team, the Rockets.

Patty Worff anticipated a similarly busy spring in Arnold, until the coronavius pandemic forced the cancellation of her annual birthday trip to Dover Downs and instead of attending her niece’s wedding, she had to watch it on Facebook Live.

“She’s had several disappointments,” said Pat Worff, her mother.

Camp GLOW, however, remained a bright spot on the ladies’ summer schedules, albeit in a virtual mode.

COVID-19 made in-person camp for adults with physical or developmental disabilities, sponsored by the Archdiocese of Baltimore, too risky, according to Deacon Bill Fleming, its director. An alternative, an online camp, has received an enthusiastic response.

Fifty attended in July, with a similar numberregistered for the August session. Deacon Fleming said his team mailed packets to every participant, including T-shirt, crafts materials, Bible passages and a daily agenda. Four-hour sessions include prayer, crafts, entertainment and Mass.

“The main goals are spiritual enrichment and social interaction,” he said.

Father Matthew Himes, associate pastor at Our Lady of the Fields in Millersville and a longtime Camp GLOW volunteer, celebrated Mass during the July session.

“Camp GLOW is a fundamental part of my faith journey,” he said.