Judy Winter, Eric’s mother, an MSU alumna and co-chairwoman of the camp, said it allows people of all ages with disabilities and their siblings to be recognized for what they can do.

Through sessions with professional music therapists, Eric was able to compose music by the time he was 12. Music therapy sessions typically offered for a fee by the Community Music School’s MSU Music Therapy Clinical Services include lessons in singing, dancing, playing instruments and creating music. Sessions are based on the individual’s goals and objectives, which often include communication, motor skills, social skills and self-esteem.

There is a group of 89 adults, adolescents and children with varying developmental disabilities, physical impairments and sensory impairments participating in the camp this year.

“Every year it has grown bigger and better,” Winter said. “It’s a labor of love, and at the same time a tremendous healing tool for us.”

Campers with special needs are divided into groups by age and are paired with a teenage volunteer without special needs. These “buddy-up” partners then go together through different age-appropriate activities, from playing with a giant parachute to composing music.

Funding for the camp comes from donations and the program offers scholarships to ensure that everyone can attend.

Cindy Edgerton, who worked with Eric on his music therapy and now serves as the camp’s director, said the volunteers stand in as role models to the special needs campers.

“They don’t just help out, they are just as involved in the activities as the campers,” Edgerton said. “Some of these campers are unable to speak, walk or even hold a drumstick. Volunteers are there to help along the way.”

Kate McAlpine, a music therapy junior, is working as a group leader during her second summer of working at the camp.

“I don’t just watch one kid — I watch all of them,” McAlpine said. “It’s awesome to see the success stories. You think they’re not paying attention or learning, but then they come out and do things you didn’t think they could with music.”

One such success story is Johnnie Tuitel, the emcee and “roving ambassador” for the camp. Tuitel said he has not let his cerebral palsy stop him from getting a college degree, having a family and being a motivational speaker.

The camp is inclusion in its truest form, he said.

“Music brings out the joy in these kids and eliminates the fear,” Tuitel said. “What you see in these rooms is what heaven is supposed to be.”

All campers are given a chance to showcase their music skills at the Be-a-Star Showcase at 1:30 p.m. tomorrow. This event, held in the Community Music School auditorium, 841 Timberlane St., is open to the public.

“They get a chance to do things they don’t normally get to, and the community members get to see their many talents,” Winter said.

Looking forward, Winter said she would like to see mini “RicStar” camps across the country, which is currently a far-off goal.

“It’s a tremendous undertaking, and we need really good volunteers to pull it off,” Winter said. “But we don’t like saying no, when this is one of so few positive ability-focused programs. We just want to better serve these people.”