Going some places around other kids, Melissa Jones’ daughter, Keara Riley, has to deal with them teasing or picking on her.

It’s because she has special needs, and some kids don’t understand.

Jones said her daughter needed a place where she could fit in and be herself. She also needed a bully-free zone that’s safe and has caring people.

She found that in Special Signature Saturday at the Boys and Girls Club of Seymour.

The new program gives children and young adults with special needs and their parents an opportunity to participate in crafts, play games, interact with special guests and enjoy snacks.

It was conducted Dec. 3 and Jan. 7 and will continue from 10 to 11 a.m. the first Saturday of each month through May.

“We just really enjoy it because she can get out with her friends and not have to worry about the bullying and picking on her,” Jones said.

In December, Keara and eight other kids with special needs had the chance to meet Santa Claus, a snowman and a reindeer and take pictures and play games with them.

This month, games, crafts, activities, snacks and door prizes revolved around a fishing theme. The special guest was Seymour native Meghan Colvin Egloff, who read her children’s book, “Edison’s Tackle Box,” and gave each attendee an autographed copy of her book.

“Oh, I love it. It’s our date day,” Jones said of Special Signature Saturday. “I wish they could do it all of the time.”

Jan Engel of Seymour has a son, A.J., with special needs and decided to create a program since there’s not much for those kids to do in the area.

She’s also a Boys and Girls Club board member and received approval to have the club serve as the host site.

Read the full story in Thursday’s Tribune and online at tribtown.com.