Never too early to start planning for summer camp!
by Sara Croft
When I was a kid, going to summer Camp brought me out of my shell. I learned there were other kids out there with interests similar to mine. I loved to play piano and practically any musical instrument you put in front of me, and camp was a great way for me to meet fellow budding musicians. Many of them are my friends to this day.
Here at Easter Seals Crossroads, summertime gives me an opportunity to see those same sorts of relationships created for the children who participate in CampAbility or Camp R.O.C.K.S. What’s great about camps through Easter Seals is that they have therapeutic benefits. Both CampAbility and Camp R.O.C.K.S. have physical, speech and occupational therapists working alongside the kids. Easter Seals is also the largest provider of recreation and camping services for people with disabilities in the country.
When kids are separated from their parents for the first time, they gain a sense of independence and start to trust themselves and their own instincts. Camp environment allows kids to participate in teams, discover what they’re interested in and meet a new circle of friends.
Last year I had my first visit to the Camp R.O.C.K.S. in Martinsville, about 30 minutes south of Indianapolis. This two-week overnight camp allows young people on the autism spectrum to meet others like themselves and participate in fun activities such as swimming, hiking, high ropes courses, basketball and outdoor camping. The climbing wall was my favorite outdoor activity. The campers were so brave — I’m not so sure I would have made it to the top!
Camp staff coached the campers as they climbed upward, giving them words of encouragement. Some campers had made strong friendships and were practically inseparable, so they climbed the wall together.
On my drive home from Camp R.O.C.K.S. I reflected on my own camp experiences and related them to the fun and lifelong relationships that these kids are engaging in now. Do you have a similar camp experience you’d like to share? Leave a comment on this blog and let us know!