It’s Camp Time —which means, special programs, special programs and special programs!

Camp at Aaron’s Acres is filled with a considerable amount of special programs! Watching a magic show with Papa Tater, seeing a ventriloquist show with Marian and Friends, singing silly songs with Fred McNaughton from WJTL, participating in music therapy with Cindy Long, and engaging in fitness and exercise with Chris Russell from Fitness 4 Focus all occur during our summer component.  Smiles can be seen and laughter can be heard from our campers as well as our staff; such wonderful memories are created from all of these experiences.  

Throughout the years, we have received such positive feedback about the programs that we have offered to children and young adults with varying abilities and disabilities.  Our team at Aarons’ Acres, realizes it is in large part because of our partners in which we have worked with over the years, that the feedback has been of such a high caliber.  Each partner has consistently demonstrated such passion, patience, understanding and sensitivity as he/she worked with our campers. In writing this blog, we asked each partner for a brief statement describing their time at Aaron’s Ares.  Here are their responses:

Chris Russell: “Being present and observing the staff interacting with the campers at Aaron’s Acres is incredibly inspiring! Aaron’s Acres is making a significant impact on lives by offering a stimulating summer camp with activities that encourage growth and transformation among the campers. We deeply appreciate the dedication and vision that the staff brings to their campers”.

Cindy Long:  “It’s another summer of providing music therapy at Aarons Acres.  I’m there Monday and Friday mornings and it’s the perfect way to begin and end my week.  The counselors are all enthusiastic and supporting the campers, creating smiles and experiences that they will remember long after the summer.  And I will tuck those camper smiles away in my memory and heart to bring out and brighten the coldest, dreariest winter days ahead.  Thank you!”

Fred: “I love coming to sing for Aaron’s Acres. I love seeing the smiles, hearing the laughter and leading the singing. The joy in Aaron’s Acres campers and staff is palpable. I’ve been coming for so many years now that I have seen some of these kids grow up from toddlers. It’s literally one of the biggest highlights of my summer every year. Thank you for the opportunity to be part of the Aaron’s Acres family”.

Marian and Friends: “What a pleasure it always is to bring laughter to Aaron’s Acres Summer Camps! I’ve been invited to perform at their camps for more than a decade, and their counselors and staff are top-notch. They are consistently hospitable and helpful to me, and they so wonderfully care for the campers.  

It’s been such a joy to see everyone laugh, clap and interact with my ventriloquist puppets. They are such delightful audiences!  Aaron’s Acres is a beautiful, safe environment where everyone is valued and respected. Thank you for inviting me back year after year. What a great place to be!” 

Papa Tater: “The shows I look forward to the most every year are the ones at Aaron’s Acres summer camp.  The fun that I have with the campers and staff fills my heart to overflowing with joy.  Thank you for including me in your lives”.

At Aaron’s Acres, it takes a village to provide our meaningful programs to children and young adults with disabilities! We are truly blessed to have such wonderful partners in our village!