Yellow t-shirts, circle time, music, fitness, swimming, games and snacks –all are occurring now at camp at Aaron’s Acres along with so much more! Several parents shared that their children were ready for the first day of camp at 6:00 am saying, “camp, camp”! While they were happy that their children were excited for our programs, they also felt it was just a bit too early!
For children with disabilities, dealing with schedule changes or new routines can be anxiety producing. Transitioning from home to another setting can be overwhelming and create challenging behaviors. Once school ends for the year, it is often easier to have your child at home, and not introduce a new program with different demands and expectations. After possibly facing a stressful school year filled with difficult issues, parents and children alike want a stress-free summer, one in which they can recharge and re-energize.
However, for so many of our families, attending Aaron’s Acres can be that place that allows for recharging and re-energizing for all members of the family. For a returning camper, seeing the staff wearing their yellow t-shirts brings a smile to his face. Singing the “hello” song and reviewing the daily schedule creates a safe, secure setting in which they can just be themselves. Having that 1:1 staff to child ratio ensures that each child’s needs can be met immediately and appropriately. Taking a break during a music therapy session or walking away from the group during a fitness session demonstrates that staff understand the child’s needs and can make whatever changes and accommodations are necessary in order for the child to feel successful and secure at our programs. Hearing a 5-minute warning before an activity ends allows the child to begin to transition from one activity to another without creating immediate disruption to his schedule.
For the new camper, having a daily schedule with words and pictures helps him to know what will be happening during the day. Having a staff member who is there to support and assist him while participating in all activities provides security and reassurance. Modeling appropriate behavior, receiving ongoing positive feedback and supportive guidance at all times, sends a message to each child that he is welcome here and accepted here for who he is and what he is capable of doing! Assistance and ongoing accommodations are always provided in order for each child to be able to participate in all activities, no exceptions.
The philosophy at Aaron’s Acres has always been everyone is accepted, and everyone can do all the activities that we plan; our staff just have to be creative at times in the way in which we can make that happen. But……it always happens!
We welcome community members to see our campers and staff in action as words never truly capture all that goes on at our programs. If you are interested in visiting camp, please contact Kate Mullen, our Director of Development at katemullen@aaronsacres.org to schedule a visit.
