newspaper clipping
Catalog Number
2021.14.491
Description
Holland Sentinel article about Special Education Ministries 20th anniversary. Marcy Vanderwel and Mardi Bultman began this program.
History
Marcy Bos Vanderwel was born to Bert Peter and Annette Bos on March 25, 1945. She attended Holland Christian Schools. Marcy was the Regional Director for Special Olympics. She also wrote The Friendship Series, an educational program for individuals living with cognitive disabilities along with Martie Bultman. This religious program was taught at Special Education Ministries. The SEM group met on Thursday evenings at Third Reformed Church. During her time as director of Special Education Ministries a parent, Dorothy Koning, approached Marcy about starting a summer camp for SEM students. In 1983 Marcy and many others held the first Camp Sunshine at Camp Geneva in Holland. In Marcy’s words, “it was important that these people loved God and were convicted that God loves our special people.” Camp Sunshine has been hosting camp every year since then (2023).
