Frolicking Capernaum
The crowd at Big Daddy’s was boisterous. In the dim light of the South Hill bowling alley, excited teens and young adults hunted for the right bowling balls while others devoured pizza. It could have been any youth group outing, but this group was unique. This was the monthly activity for Capernaum, a Young Life group for those with special needs.
Young Life is a nondenominational Christian organization committed to improving kids’ lives and preparing them for the future. Three years ago, volunteer Jon VanAnrooy introduced Capernaum to the Spokane area.
“Oftentimes kids with disabilities are overlooked,” he said. VanAnrooy and nine other volunteers host monthly club meetings at Garfield Elementary School for 15 to 20 disabled teens and young adults. Kids from all over the county attend.
Some of the students have physical challenges, and some have mental disabilities, but all are welcome at club meetings and activities.
Group leader Mandolyn Hume said, “Capernaum is a great time for them to have fun and be silly. They get to build relationships with peers and leaders. These kids don’t often have opportunity for social involvement in their community. They love to be part of something.”
Rob Drewry, Capernaum member and recent Lewis and Clark graduate, agreed. “I love to come to Capernaum because I have a girlfriend here,” he said.
In addition to their club meetings, leaders plan monthly activities for the students. Eighteen-year-old Chris Naccarato, a Central Valley student, said, “We get to do cool stuff like bowling and ice skating.”
Sara Alexander enjoys the singing most. The East Valley student is fluent in American Sign Language and she loves to sign the songs for the group. Her mom, Rondy, said, “Sara feels comfortable here. She looks forward to it each month.” Rondy added that she appreciates the Christian faith foundation of Young Life.
Lindsay Coffman, a student at Mead High School, was enthusiastic. “I’ve been coming to Capernaum for two years, and everyone is so nice,” she said.
Many of the kids are already anticipating Wild Horse Canyon summer camp. This yearly camp blends traditional Young Life groups and Capernaum groups. For many, this is their only summer camp opportunity, and they look forward to it all year.
Volunteer leader Judy Mandeville, has a master’s in special education. “These kids teach me so much,” she said. “We’re all alike, really. We just have different needs.”
After patiently posing for a group photo, the kids hustled off to find their assigned lanes. Wheelchairs whizzed by. Excited shouts echoed. Big Daddy’s rocked with the exuberant sounds of Capernaum in action.