For one of our assignments for Comp, we are supposed to explain why we are interested in what we are blogging about. For me, I first became interested in people with special needs and disabilities when I was a sophomore in high school. At my church I have two kiddos with down syndrome, Katie and Daniel. They are two of my best friends and every summer we basically live at the pool. I also decided to volunteer with a few people from my youth group at a camp specifically made for kids and adults with disabilities. It is called Camp Barnabas. Through my experiences at camp I have grown more knowledgeable about many disabilities and how no disability can be limiting if you have the right heart about it.
Katie & Daniel 2009 ^
Both times I went to camp I got campers with severe disabilities. Jill was my first camper. She was 25 but only had the mental age of a 12 year old and had Down syndrome. She was physically able to do everything but was emotionally unstable. Getting to help her have fun at camp was a great time. The second summer I went I got a little boy named Mark. He was around 12 years old but was only 4 mentally. He was blind and had a prostatic eye (which he liked to pop out), had autism, cerebral paisley, mental retardation and many food allergies. We spent endless hours on the swings but overall it was a great week. Both weeks were rough and hot but I couldn't help but fall in love with both of my campers.
Cabin #4 Summer 2008
When you spend time with these special people it can be hard but at the same time very much enjoyable. People with disabilities help you focus on the great things you have in life rather than being a Debbie downer. Life is way to short to worry about the small things, enjoy it while you can.
Bethany and Mark Camp 2008
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