Aaron’s Acres has welcomed many participants, families, staff, and visitors over the last 25 years, and we look forward to welcoming many more in the years to come. In celebration of our 25th anniversary, we have pulled 25 testimonials from parents, visitors and staff who have shared their thoughts with us about their “Aaron’s Acres Experience” and who we have been lucky enough to join on their journey.
Enjoy!
“The wonderful feeling that I experienced as I watched the campers and counselors interact stayed with me the entire day. I know it sounds almost “hokey” …and clearly not the usual way a 58-year-old guy describes a kid’s camp …but what transpired today was nothing short of magical.”
– External Behavior Therapist
“Saying the staff is amazing doesn’t quite seem like enough praise. Aaron’s Acres staff and other families always feel like extended family. Each year no matter what session you are in you will find parents that you met from years past and each year you as a parent will meet new parents. The camp is a unique experience where every disability, though it may seem big or small, is able to thrive. I don’t think I will ever be able to express my gratitude to all of you.”
– Parent
“The program has grown in leaps and bounds and I’m so happy that both my brother and I got to experience it. It really is the best program around. Hands down. I’m excited to see how much this program continues to grow and I’ll always consider myself a part of the Aaron’s Acres family.”
– Staff
“The Aaron’s Acres experience for our son allowed a shy young boy of 14 to experience a world of friendship seldom open to children with special needs. We had peace of mind knowing that our son was given the freedom to express himself yet was provided with close supervision and guidance. There are just very few opportunities like this one available for special children.”
– Parent
“Last fall I applied to Aaron’s Acres in the hopes of gaining experience working with children who have disabilities. I can tell you, I gained so much more than just experience. Because of working for Aaron’s Acres, I have gained a passion for working with students with moderate to severe disabilities. I love going to every event and working and learning from the children. We always have such a great time! The children involved in Aaron’s Acres are wonderful and have taught me so much.”
– Intern
“This experience has taught me that every child has something to offer and that in order to truly help them, you need to connect with them and build a relationship of trust and respect, and that you have the power to impact this child in a positive manner in a short amount of time.”
– Intern
“At the end of the day, Aaron’s Acres has a formula that is not only special, but also sticks out compared to other summer camps. Thank you for letting me be a part of the organization and teaching me so much more than I would learn in a classroom. I can’t wait to support Aaron’s Acres mission from 3,000 miles away in every way I can!”
– Staff
“Working with Aaron’s Acres has truly changed my life and I can’t imagine a summer without camp.”
– Staff
“Aaron’s Acres is an organization that produces LIFE in everyone –campers, staff, and community. Everyone walks away from their hours together filled with life experiences that have been teaching, encouraging, and nourishing GROWTH in each person. Our son will continue to live with physical, medical, and behavioral challenges – yet from the time of his first hour spent with Aaron’s Acres many years ago through to this moment in time, he has been growing into a man. We are beyond thankful for ALL the people at Aaron’s Acres who choose to step into these families’ day-to-day and bring exceptional LIFE and GROWTH …with hope, love, and cheer for our journey!”
– Parent
“I have a unique viewpoint of Aaron’s Acres because my daughter has been a participant at for 14 years and I was a staff member for 5 years so if you would ask me to describe Aaron’s Acres words like “typical”, “ordinary” and “just like everyone else” …come to mind. After hearing that description I’m sure you are wondering why we would send our child to Aaron’s Acres. But what you must understand, I am not describing what Aaron’s Acres is, I am describing the feeling my daughter and my family have at Aaron’s Acres. The feeling of being “typical”, “ordinary” and “just like everyone else” is rarely achieved in our lives. Most of the time it is only felt when in the presence of family and that is what Aaron’s Acres has been to us.”
– Parent
“The staff at Aaron’s Acres are kind, understanding, and compassionate. They are very knowledgeable of the children they work with and can play to each child’s strengths. The staff are very inclusive and help facilitate fun games, crafts, and activities. The staff put each child’s needs first to generate lasting memories for each camper.”
– External Behavior Therapist
“Coming to Aaron’s Acres was like stepping into a world where the campers could experience life without limitations.”
– Private Nurse
“Through the lens of Autism this has been a perfect summer. Thank you for your love, support, and care for our daughter. Aaron’s Acres has made a positive life-changing impact on our whole family.”
– Parent
“I am speechless with how incredible this organization is! To be able to see it all in person, I am extremely grateful to have the opportunity.”
– Camp Visitor
“I am so glad my son is involved in Aaron’s Acres’ School Year Program. He enjoys hanging out with his friends, doing activities his typical peers would do. He also loves seeing the staff each month. For me it’s a much-needed break and knowing he is in good hands and having fun.”
– Parent
“As a parent of a child with Autism and global developmental delays, I tend to worry a lot and about so many things. I get a break from that stress when my daughter is at Aaron’s Acres because I never worry when she is with Aaron’s Acres. Camp is such a gift for our whole family (mom included). My daughter has been bringing the camp directories (of campers and staff) you mailed home to bed EVERY night. She LOVES Aaron’s Acres so much. Thank YOU for all the love, acceptance, and happiness you bring into the lives of others.”
– Parent
“This is my 13-year-old grandson’s first experience at Aaron’s Acres, and he is really enjoying it. I am impressed with the level of individual care and attention he receives, and I also appreciate that he is having fun and learning with a staff who recognize and accentuate his abilities, as well as working on the things he needs to understand and improve upon, helping him in his growth. It has made his parents and my heart very happy to bring him here and know that he is safe and enjoying camp.”
– Grandparent
“I am so fortunate, and truly blessed to be part of Aaron’s Acres Dream Makers team. As part of our activities, we visit during an active camp session. As soon as you walk toward the campers, you can literally feel the love and joy that surrounds the site. Each child is participating as their ability allows, and their individual counselor is with them every step of the way. Each time I go, my heart fills with the pure joy that comes from these campers. I laugh with them, smile with them, and always shed some tears – not from sadness, but from seeing them accomplish what might have seemed impossible just a few minutes before. I am forever indebted to the staff, the counselors, the nurses, and the helpers who make this organization what it is –a haven for the kids, and a blessing to their parents.”
– Aaron’s Acres Dream Maker
“Quite often the phrase, “words cannot express” is used to try to convey a thought, a praise, an action, or a moment in time. The idea behind the phrase is that what is trying to be explained goes beyond words, but more about the emotional connection that leaves one searching for the right words. Something you wish others could just experience for themselves, and you can only hope they get out of the experience anything close to what you feel. That is how I feel about the experience of our son being a part of the Aaron’s Acres family at summer camp. For 2 weeks in the summer, they truly become a part of our extended family. From the top down, everyone that my son and I interact with are absolutely “AMAZING”.”
– Parent
“Counselors and staff were so excited to see my son; they waved and shouted out his name! The fact that they remembered his name made him feel like a king. Seeing his smile and excitement melted my heart. My son has numerous challenges, but Aaron’s Acres makes him feel special and successful. As a parent, I couldn’t ask for a better, safer place for my child to attend camp.”
– Parent
“I wanted to thank you for the invitation to visit camp and be a part of your day as a photographer. It was the most heartwarming experience seeing all the kids interacting, participating, and watching all the counselors work one-on-one with the kids. The most exciting part of the day was having the opportunity to capture such rewarding moments each child had throughout the day, and to be able to have that moment to share with them for when they create their butterfly picture photo album.”
– Volunteer Photographer
“To hear Aaron’s Acres’ purpose and what the program has provided over the past 25 years is inspiring. Witnessing and capturing pictures of the positive energy and enthusiasm amongst campers and staff was profound.”
– Volunteer Photographer
“I was astounded by the program Aaron’s Acres offers. As a parent and volunteer my heart was so full of joy and admiration for the wonderful students and staff I met! Thank you again for a wonderful opportunity, it was the best experience!!”
– Volunteer Photographer
“It gives me so much peace to see the way camp honors the abilities of all the campers and finds a way to make activities doable for everyone. I worry so much about that for my son, so seeing the campers celebrated and encouraged makes my heart happy.”
– Staff & Parent
“The school year program has been a treasured experience for our son. Like all teens, he wants to spend time socializing with friends at different activities in the community. While I could arrange meetups, he is not independent enough to be unsupervised. And yet, again like all teens, my son doesn’t want his parents around all the time. Aaron’s Acres provides crucial inclusive opportunities for our son and his friends to have fun together while I can relax knowing he is safe with their amazing staff. He eagerly looks forward to each month’s activity and LOVES the school year program! There is no other social program like it for teens with disabilities.”
– Parent
