Rotary Camp open for overnight camp registrations

[Guest guest]

http://www.akronymca.org/DownloadResource.aspx?DATID=3186They'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.A Continued TraditionOvernight camp is our flagship program. Children and adults with disabilities learn new skills, develop friendships, and gain independence through 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.At our children's overnight camps there are two counselors to every six campers. Other staff on site include the directors, program coordinators, behavior specialists, and nursing staff. The Akron Rotary Camp strives to meet the individual needs of each of the campers. Staff will work with families, teachers, and other support services to help provide successful experiences. However, the Akron Rotary Camp cannot provide one on one attention to campers with additional needs without the financial support from the camper's family or other provider networks.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.Which program is right for my camper?The Akron Rotary Camp offers three basic overnight camping programs. The children's camps are geared towards children with disabilities age 6-17. This is the cornerstone program which has been offered since 1924. Today, our campers represent a variety of disabilities. Many campers have developmental disabilities such as autism spectrum disorders, developmental delays, and Down syndrome. Other campers have physical disabilities including spina bifida, cerebral palsy, and blindness. There are also many campers with learning disabilities, mental health disorders, and multiple diagnoses. A camper just has to have a disability to qualify for any one of the Akron Rotary Camp's programs.We also offer a siblings camp. This weeklong camp program is designed with the siblings of children with disabilities in mind. Brothers and sisters can together share the Rotary Camp experience. These common experiences help build relationships which strengthen the family bond. While this week is inclusive in nature some families chose to only send the siblings so they can have their own Rotary Camp experiences independently. Feel free to call the Rotary Camp staff about your situation and we can work together to come up with the winning solution for you and your family.Our adult camps are the fastest growing programs each summer. These overnight experiences are designed for campers 18 and over. Many of the campers have "graduated" from the children's program and wish to continue to be a part of the Rotary Camp family. Others have never been to camp before and are looking for a non-traditional vacation that promotes independence, socialization, and just plain fun! Like the other Akron Rotary Camp programs, campers are put into cabin groups according to age and abilities. There are two counselors to every eight adult campers in this specific program.Overnight Daily Schedule Sample7:00 amPolar Bear Swim8:30 amHam and Eggs for breakfast9:15 amCabin/camp clean up9:50 amChapel - The Giving Tree10:00 amArts & Crafts - ceramic painting11:00 amSports & Games - Nukem12:30 pmPizza1:30 pmRest hour2:30 pmCanoeing expedition3:30 pmCabin Activity - lanyards4:30 pmSwim Time6:00 pmHamburger Cookout7:00 pmAll Camp Game - Treasure Hunt8:30 pmVespers & Snack9:30 pmBedtimeCheck-In DaysParents/caregivers are required to provide transportation to and from camp. Check-in is on Sunday from 3:00pm-5:00pm* in the Dining Hall. Camp activities begin at 5:00 pm and the campers’ first meal is provided on Sunday evening. You are asked to meet your camper's cabin counselor and look around prior to 5:00pm.*Check-ins are not accepted prior to 3:00pm.Camp Check-Out TimeParent's program starts at 11:00am on FridayParents/caregivers are required to sign out their campers upon arrival (Please bring proper identification).Checkout procedures start in the Dining Hall at 10:30am.Parents/caregivers are welcome to attend the Parent's program and Award Ceremony on checkout days.Note From a ParentI'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, OHCamp registration is open! Download the 2011 registration form HERE!Sent from my iPad