Location: Rotary Youth Camp, Lee’s Summit, Missouri

Project Partner: Girls Can Camp & Girl Scouts Gold Award Project

Background

Since 1925, Rotary Youth Camp in Lee’s Summit has welcomed more than 300,000 campers to its fully accessible facilities overlooking Lake Jacomo. The camp provides inclusive outdoor adventures for children with disabilities and their friends—tree climbing, tie-dye crafts, slumber parties, and now, thanks to one Girl Scout’s vision, the joy of outdoor music-making.

Girls Can Camp, a unique program hosted at Rotary Youth Camp, is designed specifically for girls with disabilities and their friends. Its mission is to ensure every camper experiences nature, friendship, and fun in a safe, welcoming environment.

The Challenge

Many campers at Rotary Youth Camp have limited access to musical instruments in their daily lives. Program leaders sought new ways to encourage creative expression and sensory engagement while keeping activities inclusive for children of all abilities.

The Solution

The idea for a dedicated Percussion Park came from Girl Scout and pianist Paige Thomas, who chose Rotary Youth Camp as the site for her Gold Award project. Paige devoted more than 80 hours to planning, fundraising, and partnering with the Rotary Club to make the project a reality.

After careful research, Paige selected instruments from Percussion Play for their accessibility, durability, and universal appeal:

Rainbow Sambas – brightly coloured drums with deep, resonant tones

Tropical Cyclone – a dynamic wheel that produces a realistic rain sound

Rainbow Cavatina – a colourful metallophone creating rich, melodic tones

Rainbow Chimes – large-scale chimes producing harmonious, soothing notes

Because all instruments are pentatonic, every note combination sounds pleasant, encouraging free play without fear of making a “mistake.”

The Impact

The new Percussion Park has transformed Rotary Youth Camp into a place where music can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of ability. Campers are now exploring rhythm, sound, and movement in ways that support both therapeutic and developmental growth.

Inclusive play: Instruments are accessible to campers with mobility or sensory challenges

Therapeutic benefits: Music-making promotes relaxation, improves mood, and stimulates cognitive and emotional responses

Skill development: Playing encourages both fine and gross motor skills, as well as sensory integration

As Paige explained:

“A lot of campers do not have resources to access musical instruments, so this project really helps people engage in music-making.”

A Lasting Legacy

The Percussion Play installation enhances Rotary Youth Camp’s commitment to inclusive, transformative experiences. It stands as a testament to the power of youth leadership and community collaboration.

For generations to come, campers will discover the joy of making music outdoors - adding rhythm, harmony, and fun to the camp’s long-standing tradition of nature, friendship, and possibility.