HOUSTON -- Five classrooms at the city of Houston's Metropolitan Multi-Service Center come alive with the sounds of children this summer, offering a unique experience for those with special needs, KPRC Local 2, Your Education Station, reported.

Dance, drama, art and music are combined under one roof for a fine arts summer camp, located at 1475 West Gray.

At The River Performing and Visual Arts Center, special needs children just get to be themselves.

Maria Barillas, 14, told Local 2, "I think it's great. I love it and I love all my friends here, too."

The River's executive director, Sandra Wicoff, said, "Their lives have medical appointments and therapy and school of course, but (the camp) provides them social interaction. It provides them enrichment opportunities and they learn creativity, and they learn to express themselves in really fun, wonderful ways."

The River also welcomes siblings, which gives the campers familiarity and their parents a break.

Ottalie Garvin, 10, joined by her 9-year-old sister Sybella said, "You should see us at home. We fight and fight and fight."

She said they don't fight at camp because, "We don't want to embarrass ourselves."

Of the summer camp, Sybella said, "I think it's pretty fun. All the people that help you are nice. They're kind."

The summer camp is for children ages 2-19. There are more than 20 volunteers and a nurse on staff.

A big part of The River's mission is to keep the program affordable. The fees have been $100 a week since its inception 12 years ago, but about 60 percent of the children are on scholarships.

Wicoff said, "A number of the families can't afford the fees. Their expenses are extraordinary -- having kids with special needs."

Eileen Ramos enrolled her special needs son in The River a year and a half ago. Now, she is the program's artistic director.

Ramos said, "You want your child to be able to go to camp like the kids next door and The River brings you that."

Each week of summer camp ends with a recital where the kids get to show off their skills and shine.

The River also offers Saturday morning classes during the school year.

For more information, visit www.theriver.org or call 713-520-1220.