P.A.C.K. Camp returns for 28th year in Pasco County

PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — For the 28th year, P.A.C.K. Camp is back in Pasco County.

P.A.C.K. stands for the Pasco Association for Challenged Kids. It’s an annual summer camp that takes in kids with disabilities that other camps can’t take.

Paula and Barry Cohen started the camp originally for their son Gregory, who is autistic, in 1997.

“The reason we need to keep going is we take the kids who aren’t potty trained. Who aren’t verbal, who can be aggressive, who can run away. So the camp is really for those kids because they really can’t go anywhere else and be safe,” Paula said.

The camp is now held for three weeks at Pepin Academies in New Port Richey. More than 40 campers enrolled this year.

Campers take part in a variety of activities that help them have a fun summer, like any other kid at camp.

P.A.C.K. receives state funding, but due to the rising costs for supplies and activities, they rely on donations to keep costs down for families and to make their budget.