Last fall, he was among nine volunteers honored by Friendship Ventures, a nonprofit organization that provides social, educational and recreational opportunities for children and adults with mental and physical disabilities.

Krippner was recognized for his leadership on the Friendship Ventures board of directors and for contributions at Camp Friendship near Annandale , and Eden Wood Center in Eden Prairie , both Friendship Ventures programs.

"I was surprised to get [the awards] because I never had an award before," Krippner said.

A camper for 25 years, Krippner welcomes new campers and their parents and participates in tours that provide information about the camp.

"I like to help people out and the staff," he said, "help them to make the world a better place. I like to welcome them to the camp and show people around."

Georgann Rumsey , president and CEO of Friendship Ventures, said Krippner is a wonderful ambassador.

"One of the unique things that Wayne does within our agency is tell the staff how important they are and thank them for their willingness to work or volunteer here," she said. "It lends credence and credibility to the volunteer's job or experience here. Some of our clients aren't able to tell the staff or volunteers the importance of their job."

Upbeat with a ready smile, Krippner tells other people with disabilities about his experiences and encourages them to look at Friendship Ventures for opportunities that may be there.

Bill Krippner , 72, Wayne 's father, said it's important to share his son's success story because there are misconceptions about people with mental disabilities.

"They have no expectations of them," Bill Krippner said. "We need to look at what they're able to do, not what they're not able to do.

"I don't know anyone who's met my son who hasn't walked away surprised at his attitude, his personality. When we talk about positive and negative people, Wayne is high on the positive side. He's a fun person, a nice guy and most of his friends aren't his peers. They're from our 'normal' world." Two camp counselors asked Wayne Krippner to be in their weddings.

Although the younger Krippner forgoes some camping experiences, such as biking, because of a heart condition, he uses the time to visit staff.

"He always wants to know how the other person is doing and what's going on in their life," said program director Laurie Tschetter . Krippner also likes to cook breakfast for Tschetter , as he did for her predecessor. His offerings include sweet rolls, French toast, pancakes, cereal and peanut butter sandwiches.

"I like peanut butter," he said. "I know peanut butter is a popular thing for breakfast."

Tschetter said, " Wayne makes sure the plate is full and overflowing. I'm not a small woman, so it's not like I really need it, but it's kind of a tradition. There's always a surprise on my desk in the morning when Wayne is at camp."

Krippner is equally enthusiastic at the Hammer group home in Plymouth , where he lives. He's persuaded more than one resident to attend Camp Friendship , especially over the July 4th holiday, when they ride the camp float in Annandale 's parade or help carry 12-foot-tall puppets that they made.

"Last year and the year before I was on the float," Krippner said. "We made really big puppets, waved at the people and threw candy and just had a great time."

At Opportunity Partners/ Asplin Center in Plymouth , where Krippner works doing packaging and small hand assembly, he looks out for other workers, said Troy Heeren , service planner. The day placement program provides employment and community-based activities for people with developmental disabilities and traumatic brain injury.

" Wayne 's a very compassionate guy who goes out of his way to seek out new employees, show them around and help orient them," Heeren said.

It's been a journey, said Bill Krippner , helping his son find his way in a world that often shuns those who are different. But to him, his wife, Joan, and their three other children, Wayne is an ongoing inspiration and wonderful work in progress.