“As I contemplate what Aaron’s Acres has meant to us, in this moment I’m thinking of three words in particular: Exceptional, Life, and Growth. Our son spent the first several years of his life as a very sick little boy. And while that can be fairly common in the special needs community, it was far from common for our family even though we were labeled ‘typical’. It was our son who brought the exceptional into our lives. He came into this world with exceptional love accompanied with exceptional needs. We were initiated into the ranks of folks searching for those exceptional helps that would grow our son into a man. Family became redefined …it now included folks from healthcare workers to therapists of all sorts, educational supports, developmental and behavioral supports. And still, there was another much-needed life support missing – the social and emotional aspects of our son were wanting nourishment also.
“Galloping onto the scene came Aaron’s Acres! First it was summer camp …later followed the school year program. Within these environments our son was assured the opportunity to explore and experience both new and familiar aspects of life safely and within a context of independence. Experiences so often taken for granted, but many times rare for the child and individual living with exceptional challenges. At camp and during the school year our son was encouraged and nurtured with positive, fun-filled interactions and activities. Aaron’s Acres provided appropriate attention and safety with adequate staffing.
“When a child has medical and physical needs, so much concentration and time must go to healthcare and diet. Yet equally important is the emotional and social development of each of these children – especially as varying diagnoses directly effect the child’s emotions, beliefs, and behaviors. Aaron’s Acres stands alongside families with much more than a pat on the back and best wishes. Staffers use their own emotions and energy to join these children in the world of their individual realities. We may think, “Well, of course it’s normal to run and race, splash and swim, sing, and play ball, make crafts, and eat packed lunches with friends in the summer – that’s what summer is for!”, yet not for some children. Aaron’s Acres serves to make that a reality for children who cannot know these experiences without exceptional support. Staffers sing, dance, run and move, swim, make crafts, meet animals, greet large horses, serve the community, sweat in the heat, shiver in the cold at holiday time, play minigolf, roll bowling balls, and brave an autumn chill for festivities on a farm – all with our children!! Staffers accept our loved ones as they are and do whatever is needed for each child that they may know the joy of being and doing with friends.
“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!”
Jenny H., Aaron’s Acres Parent
