Yes, it’s slower paced than some camps but you learn to adapt activities and cater to the needs of individuals, offering them the same activities that you would at a typical camp. Not only does camp provide the families and carers of these individuals with a valuable opportunity for respite, but it is also the campers’ vacation, their opportunity to take a break from their everyday lives and choose the activities that they would like to do. Despite several adults being wheelchair bound, many of these people were the first to volunteer to take part in sports activities.Īll in all, working at a special needs camp isn’t so different from working at a typical kids summer camp. Among those suffering from mental deficits, I cared for several guests who competed in swimming events in the camp's own version of the Olympics. Many of the individuals that you will encounter at a special needs camp are much more capable than they are given credit for. In all of these roles, one of the most important things that I learned is that your focus quickly shifts from the ‘disability’ to the varying ‘ability’ of each individual. I also worked as general cabin staff where I was responsible for the care of the older women at camp. In the mornings and evenings, I acted as a Runner in cabins durings shower duty. I’ve had the privilege of spending the past two summers working at Quest’s Camp Thunderbird which caters for adults with developmental disabilities between the ages of 18 and 80, with individuals diagnosed with a wide range of conditions such as autism, cerebral palsy and down’s syndrome.Īs Music and Drama Lead, I was responsible for planning and leading daily activities for our guests. There is no limit to the number of new guests you can refer.One that has changed my life for the better in more ways than I can count. For every new guest that signs up to attend at least one summer 2023 session that you refer, you will earn a $100 credit on your Camp Doc account. We also have some fun ways to save money on your camp registration! Refer a friend is here. We will also have camp goodies including (t-shirts, sunglasses, and more) available for purchase at the trading post as well as during check in and check out days. New to this upcoming summer, we have incorporated the “Trading Post” where you can register a spending allowance during the registration process which will allow guests to purchase additional drinks and snacks during sessions in a cashless manner. We have so many wonderful things to look forward to this year, including the fact that we have our beautiful Prevatt Lake back (thanks to Hurricane Ian), we cannot wait to get back out into the canoes. Although Noelle will not be working at Camp Thunderbird in person, she will continue to work with camp remotely to assist in a smooth transition for the new Camp Director as well as helping to ensure that we have a fun-packed summer program. While we will miss her at Camp Thunderbird, we wish her every success in the future. One update we wish to share with you is that Noelle Arcaro, Camp Director (and a former summer staff member from 2018-2021) has accepted a wonderful opportunity to further her studies in New York City. We are diligently preparing for the upcoming Summer Camp sessions! We are very excited to be welcoming back some of our awesome returning staff members from previous summers as well as welcoming new team members from all over the World! Please “like” our Camp Thunderbird page on Facebook to stay on top of special announcements and staff introductions for the upcoming summer. I hope that your 2023 is off to a fantastic start. We’re excited about Camp this Summer! Here’s a letter from our Senior Director Faye Murphy!
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