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Sunday, April 26, 2015

April 25 Day Camp Bonus Pics

In the post below this one, Kevin shared lots of photos from our most recent Day Camp. I had a few more on my phone I wanted to include, and also take the opportunity to say how thankful I am for my part-time job here. Working as a teacher for ladies training to be live-in caregivers in Canada has given me an abundance of friends who are eager to volunteer and gain hands-on experience.
Two of the ladies, Zoey and Sarah, took turns hanging out with Molly and Hudson during the Day Camp. When they weren't in the main room with the group, they were downstairs in a special play room. Fun times for our kiddos!
Knowing our kids were well taken care of made it possible for me to focus on talking with the moms and grandmothers. They were sharing how meaningful it was to see their children having fun at the Day Camp together with other kids they can relate to. One mom mentioned it was important for her son's independence that he learn to communicate with others in society. She appreciated how the kids connected with the volunteers since they are usually afraid of strangers. Another mom shared that the kids don't have friends to play with (only small toys) because they aren't treated well by others.
It was wonderful to see the women exchanging contact information and supporting each other.
~Dayna

Saturday, April 25, 2015

April 25 Day Camp

The final day camp of April went well. Of course, it didn't go as planned; it seldom does. We had to adjustment our schedule and activities, but thankfully, the families felt loved and free to be themselves. It was a good day. 
~ Kevin

Saturday, April 18, 2015

Autism Day Camp

During today's day camp, we met many new families and had several new volunteers. Although differing in severity, all of the children have been diagnosed with autism. It was a very active day.
Afterward, I joined Dayna and the kids at a Toy Story birthday party for the son of our Brazilian friends.
~ Kevin




Monday, April 13, 2015

Adult Retreat

On April 11-12, we hosted our first retreat for young adults with physical disabilities. Disabilities ranged from hearing impairment to spinal cord injury and spina bifida. It was a wonderful weekend. 
~ Kevin

Saturday, April 4, 2015

April 4 Day Camp

This second day camp of 2015 was in the southern part of our city. It was quite different than last week, although the tentative schedule was similar. As far as families, we originally planned to focus on kids with physical disabilities since last week focused on intellectual disabilities. The final outcome was half with cerebral palsy, three with autism, one with Down syndrome and one with a hearing impairment. Also, last week was basically a reunion of families and volunteers from last year; this week involved many new families and volunteers.    
 
~ Kevin