Pete's Pals provides fun and learning

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Pete's Pals paired Purdue students with special needs children, allowing them to learn from each other. The program involved a lot of play, but its focus is learning.

 Children and adults played games and swam, but the children walked away with motor and social skills while the Purdue students got hands-on learning.

A smile can be found on campers' faces as the Pete's Pals group played with a parachute at Faith Community Center's gym in Lafayette.

"I love seeing the smiles,” said Pete's Pals clinician Steven Somenek.

Somenek, who just graduated from Purdue with a P.E and Health degree, said the fun also doubled as learning for the children with a range of mental and physical disabilities.

"We work on motor development a little bit,” he said.

Hand-eye coordination, body awareness, strength, and endurance were practiced in the gym. In the pool, swimming and water safety were covered.

"Those students who are handicapped, they love to be in the pool because they get to move their legs,” said Somenak.

Each child is paired with a Purdue student who wants to learn more about working with special needs children. Parent Cari Carpenter has three children in the program. She said the one-on-one attention is essential for children that sometimes struggle to do simple tasks.

"Some of our children need extra processing time. Some of them have physical limitations and to have that one-on-one assistance really allows them to integrate into everyday activities,” she explained.

The weekly camp provided exercise as well as a chance for the children to socialize.

"Not only fitness but fun for our kids also friendship,” said Carpenter.

The children and clinicians often form a bond after one only session together.

"They'll recognize your face and come up to you with a big hug,” said Somenek.

Making smiles contagious between campers and clinicians.