In high school, I used to volunteer at Camp Summit, a camp for children and adults with all kinds of disabilities. This camp provides a "barrier-free outdoors experience" for those who might otherwise not get the chance. The first weekend that I went to volunteer was a retreat for developmentally delayed adults. I'm not going to lie, I was really nervous, because I had never come in contact with someone who was mentally delayed, and was uncomfortable with the thought of interacting with them. But once I got there, it came pretty naturally because I realized just how "normal" most of them were. Easiest way to put it: most of them were physically adult but still mentally children.
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| This is me with Mickey! She was one of my favorite campers, she actually still FB messages me sometimes to catch up. She's such a sweetheart and is convinced she's going to marry Elvis Presley. |
It was definitely surreal having to feed a 60 year old, or make sure that a 40 year old brushed his teeth at night, or talk to a 50 year old about her crush on Elvis Presley... But it helped me overcome an uneasiness that I had with the mentally disabled. At the end of the day, volunteering at this camp changed me for the better - I came out a person so much more grateful for the blessings in my life and empathetic for those not as lucky.
And hey, if you believe in Camp Summit's mission, feel free to find out more
here.
Wow, that was incredible to read about. As a high schooler, did you get to learn anything about the specific brain conditions from which these individuals suffered? I'd be curious to know what specifically differs to make a brain slower to develop. I checked out the Camp Summit website; it seems like an amazing program.
ReplyDeleteOn an unrelated note, I just noticed that you included a link to Neuroscientist Ryan Gosling on your first post. That's literally my favorite website, so glad you like it too! :)
That was a great read and that program seems like a great experience for both the volunteers and the campers. I definitely would have been nervous too though especially as a high schooler.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like such a cool experience! Your description about them being physically adult but mentally children reminds me of an experience of my own. Twice a year, my brother's high school put on a Down Syndrome Guild Dance where we had carnival or beach themed parties. It definitely just felt like I was having fun with younger kids instead of people older than me. I'm glad to hear you've kept up your relationship with some of the campers!
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