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Rotary Camp- Overnight Camp, They're Ready, Are You?

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Rotary CampThey're Ready, Are You?

A

week of overnight camp packed full of adventure, campfires, fun,

friends and no parents! Sounds great to the kids. An entire week of

wondering who is going to keep an eye on your child, get them to sleep

at night or meet their special needs, sounds concerning to the parents.

We

realize that sending a child to overnight camp is a difficult decision,

especially a child with particular needs. We have provided stories from

parents of former campers and a list of common concerns. These may

assist you with your decision to give your child the chance to

experience all the friendship, fun and excitement of Rotary Camp - a

place where disabilities and limits do not hold kids back.We have 6 weeks of overnight camp ages 6-17 and 2 weeks of adult camp 18 and over.330.644.4512 or michellec@...

A Continued Tradition

Overnight

camp is our flagship program. Children with disabilities learn new

skills, develop friendships, and gain independence though this one week

overnight experience. While at camp, campers participate in traditional

camping activities which include swimming, kayaking, campfires, songs,

crafts, games, and much, much more!

Program areas are

designed with the special needs of our campers in mind. Campers rotate

with their cabin groups though the different areas in half hour blocks.

Many activities are sensory focused, giving campers new ways to see the

world. Whether it’s holding a lizard, trying new foods, or sitting in

our state of the art sensory room, campers are provided with

opportunities to experience the world in a different way.

The

goals of overnight camp are to increase camper’s independence and

self-esteem; encourage campers to try new leisure activities and become

more physically active; experience the natural world and develop social

skills. These goals are accomplished through the natural dynamics of

the overnight camp experience, intentional programming and staff

leadership.Note From a Parent

I'd liked to say thanks to Dan and

his team for asking me to share our family's Akron Rotary Camp

experiences. I'd like you to imagine a 6-year-old boy, with an

infectious giggle, a loving personality and an insatiably curious mind.

Now imagine that same boy speaking only 3-word sentences, unable to

share his needs or feelings, afraid of so many things and without the

most rudimentary of self-help skills. He sleeps an average of 3 hours

per night, and because he is a “Houdini-in-training,†needs parental

supervision 24-hours-a-day. For us, it's a reality. Our youngest son,

Ben is diagnosed with autism and we have been coping with his unique

needs for almost 6 years when I heard about Akron Rotary Camp.

Rotary

Camp was highly recommended by other parents of children with special

needs as well as Ben's service coordinator and so, we decided to give

it a go. However, once the forms were filled out, doubt crept in. Would

Ben run away? Would he scream all day? Would these strangers care for

my son? Would they understand he ate only 3 things? I almost canceled

but didn't. Ben went to Rotary Camp for the first time 4 years ago.

That

first week, I sat by the phone waiting for the call telling me that

he'd run away, hurt himself, hurt someone else, was lost at sea - or

all of the above. I did get a call - from Dan, telling me that Ben was

having a great time, laughing and playing! I couldn't believe it, my

son, out there having fun, doing camp activities and having a blast -

just like any other 6-year-old. Ben learned to have fun and I slowly

learned not to have a heart attack.

Ben went to camp for 7

weeks that first year. His speech improved in frequency and

functionality - he could express his thoughts and feelings so much

better than at the beginning of the summer. He learned social skills,

rules and was ready for kindergarten. But most of all, he had fun. Ben

has gone to Akron Rotary Camp ever since.

At Rotary Camp, I

don't worry - I know that despite his medical and intellectual needs;

he can thrive and just be a kid. Dan and his team put Ben “the personâ€

at the forefront of their program and that's important - to have

someone see my son for who he is rather than what he is diagnosed with.

Ben tells me he is going to learn to swim this year - this from the kid

who'd have a melt down if he got wet! His desire to swim is a testament

to his comfort level and the trust he has at Rotary Camp. So, huge

thanks to Dan Reynolds and his team, for allowing my son to have a

wonderful summer each year. Thanks to you, I have peace of mind and one

happy, thriving child. Thank you.

Copley, OH CahoonMom to Tristan my beautiful 8 yr old son with autism.1 in every 150 children are born with autism in the US

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