Not normally seen in the desert, a jungle full of monkeys and elephants were recently spotted in Fountain Hills.

Don’t be alarmed, however, it was all part of a clever plan to allow some mentally and physically disabled children to enjoy the magical possibilities of life despite their hardships.

The second annual “Arizona Magic of Music & Dance” was staged at Christ’s Church in June.

The week-long camp – “Magical Possibilities for Youth with Disabilities” – culminated with a rousing stage rendition of “The Jungle Book” to the delight of family members and friends.

The camp was organized by ZETA21 International Leadership Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) organization established to identify and develop non-traditional leaders.

That foundation was founded and is operated by Fountain Hills resident Ruth Covey.

The actors in the Fountain Hills production included Bill Bacon, vulture; Diana Collier, monkey; Barrett Dunham, Colonel Hathi; Renee Fox, monkey; Lauren Hummel, vulture; Grace Linemen, Shanti; Christian Maierhofer, monkey; Bob Ogden II, Shere Kjan; Lupita Rangel, monkey; Sean Sullivan, monkey; Tim Sullivan, baby elephant; Taylor Taft, Ka’a; Kellen Washum, monkey; and Peter Yanovitch, Mowgli.

Several organizations and individuals “adopted” an actor by paying tuition so individuals could attend the camp – Janet Ault, Calvis Wyant, Patrician Marble Co., NDP Players, Aztec Inc., Master Duplicating Corp., The Upscale Singers, Triad West Inc., Renee and Mahlon Hawk and Larry Winget Seminars.

The actors worked earlier in the week with a dedicated group of volunteers and understudies to learn their parts and help construct the set.

A second camp was conducted in Phoenix the following week.

“Between the two camps, we had 93 percent of our actors coming back who were with us last year,” Covey said.

“We had a lot of volunteers and buddies come back, too, so that was good.”

Covey said overall the Fountain Hills camp was a great success.

“Christ’s Church is a great location to conduct this, and things were better organized this year from our standpoint, which made it a better experience for everyone,” she added.

“We learn each year. We tried to focus on servant leadership with our volunteers. Next year we will do an even better job.”

Covey is studying the possibility of adding a third camp in the Valley next year, likely in the Mesa area.

She also is looking at Flagstaff and Tucson as possibilities for additional camps.

The special camps allow disabled children to feel special and to get before a crowd to exhibit their talents and abilities.

Covey’s efforts have not gone unnoticed.

Covey was recognized May 17 with a “Positively Powerful Woman Award” for her accomplishments that inspire others as co-founder and president of ZETA21 International Leadership Foundation.

Two others also received the award, Susan Ratliff of Scottsdale, founder of the women’s Entrepreneurs Small Business Boot Camp; and a Phoenix business owner, Joanna De’Shay, founder of the Arizona Black Film Showcase.

ZETA 21 International Leadership Foundation provides the necessary tools and training to help individuals realize their own leadership potential.

It provides development coaching, growth opportunities and professional connections to cultivate the leadership potential for anyone, regardless of their circumstance, who has the desire and commitment to be a leader.

Arizona Magic of Music & Dance, Connection 1000dreams, Platform Power and Women’s Self-Defense are among the programs developed by ZETA 21 International.

Joel Martin, who created the annual award, stated, “Each of these women has gone above and beyond to create something unique in the community that serves others outside themselves.

“We are proud to recognize their dedication and accomplishments.”

Martin, president and facilitator of the event, and president of Triad West of Scottsdale, is a consultant, life coach and master trainer. She is an expert on women’s issues, the generational gap and the aging.

Covey said she was humbled by the award.

“There are so many people doing so much stuff in the world,” she said. “It was a very nice honor. They also used that occasion to raise money for our camp, so that was very nice.”