Guest guest Posted May 5, 2009 Report Share Posted May 5, 2009 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 person†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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.