Bethany Higa left Camp Cool with a mission after experiencing its scavenger hunts and creating 3-D animation projects as part of the multimedia camp program. “;Maybe I'll work here someday,”; said the 9-year-old. “;I'm definitely coming back next year.”;

Twelve other kids were having similar experiences at the two-day interactive camp designed for children with disabilities, as well as their siblings and friends.

The camp, sponsored by Assistive Technology Resource Centers of Hawaii, introduces various concepts of technology as a means to increase participants' knowledge base, skills and self-confidence. Campers learn about Web site development, digital photography, videography and computer applications.

The program is designed for 8- to 13-year-olds and takes place on two consecutive Saturdays a couple of times a year. In addition to the computer-related activities, regular camp activities such as sports, movies and a carnival are integrated into the mix.

“;We've seen the kids learn from each other. They are definitely sensitive to each other's needs,”; said Barbara Fischlowitz-Leong, executive director of Assistive Technology Resource Centers of Hawaii.

Fischlowitz-Leong, an avid camper and camp counselor, created Camp Cool in 2003. Last year the camp expanded to include the Big Island and Maui, accepting children with all disabilities.

“;In this environment they are not competing against kids without disabilities. We like the mix rather than them being stuck with their own disability groups,”; she said.

“;We wanted to create something that was not just a computer camp. They make crafts, go on a scavenger hunt and laminate their own photographs. All of their computer projects are saved on a CD for them.”;

Working with their own digital photos, Fischlowitz-Leong said “;it was amazing to see their camera skills improve. We are also creating an art project that will become a permanent fixture on our wall.”; The mural features hand prints and signatures of all the participants.

SEVEN-YEAR-OLD Melynda Cervantes was busily working on a 3-D fairy animation project while talking about collecting fake dollars. The incentive currency is used to purchase items such as markers, crayons and stuffed animals at the camp “;store”; before they leave.

Lance Takara decided to stay at camp and hang out with his 8-year-old son, Asa.

“;We're always trying to expose him to new and different things. He has a different way of learning. It's definitely challenging for him to sit in a class and listen to verbal instruction.”;

Asa was diagnosed with tuberous sclerosis, a rare disease that affects various systems and can cause seizures and developmental delay. “;At camp he was exposed to databases and activities that aren't offered in school. It opens more opportunities for him.”;

Asa played a word game, but his favorite activities are centered around cooking. He has cooking video games, is an avid fan of the Food Network, helps out a lot at home with chopping and mixing ingredients and hopes to attend culinary school one day.

“;By the end of the first day, the kids are more open and friendly. Some of them make long-lasting friendships,”; said Kevin Forde-Nihipali, director of training at the center. “;Lots of them don't want to go home.”;

Forde-Nihipali plans the camp activities based on the participants' disabilities. “;When we do intake, we try to find out as much as we can about the kids. If we have lots of kids with ADD and ADHD, the activities need to be shorter,”; he said.

“;It helps to invite siblings or a best friend along. We want them to learn something new each time and gain new experiences.”;

Camp Cool is offered a couple times per year. Admission is free and includes lunch. A $10 refundable deposit is required. Assistive Technology Resource Centers of Hawaii also loans equipment and software programs allowing people to test devices before making purchases. Call 532-7111 or e-mail Jodi Asato at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for more information. On the Net, visit www.atrc.org.