Welcome to Episode 64 of The Darlington Podcast!
In this episode, Content Manager Maddie Fox talks with Darlington parent Jessica Carney and students Laney Carney ('25) and Walker Sirmans ('23) about their involvement with the first-ever Extra Special People (ESP) summer camp in Rome. The Carney family hosted the camp at their farm and their son, Dempsey, was a camper. Sirmans' sister, Ivey, was also a camper. In addition to being the siblings of campers, Laney and Walker volunteered as buddies at the camp, along with other groups of Darlington students. In this episode, they discuss the impact that ESP camps have on people with special needs and how the Darlington Community can get involved.
The next summer camp session in Rome is July 18-22 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. each day. Volunteers are still needed! Contact Sarah Farraba at 478-319-6161 for more information.
Founded in 1986 in Watkinsville, Ga., Extra Special People Inc. aims to create a community of support for individuals of all abilities. ESP serves participants beginning at birth and with no upper age limit, welcoming those with diagnoses of cerebral palsy, down syndrome, autism, traumatic brain injury, spina bifida, and many more. Their specialized programs enable participants to thrive with swimming, dancing, arts and crafts and cooking; family support, retreats, dinners, counseling, and holiday events.
The Darlington Podcast is a collaboration between the communication and advancement teams, and is hosted by various members of the school community. Episodes are released each Thursday morning and available on most podcast platforms (search for The Darlington Podcast in your podcast player). Once new episodes are posted, you'll also be able to find them at www.darlingtonschool.org/podcast. Please subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts so that you'll get the latest episode each week!
The Darlington Podcast intro music was written and performed by Elliot Luitwieler ('22) and Kathryn Davidson ('22). Carson Raymond, director of major gifts, lends his voice, and editing and production is handled by Maddie Fox, content manager.
If you have ideas for future episodes or have any questions about The Darlington Podcast, please email communications@darlingtonschool.org.
