Tuesday, March 26, 2013

So Many Reasons to Smile

This past weekend was one to remember for our family.  We went to the happiest place on earth.  No, I am not talking about Disneyland.  I am talking about Camp Smile.  If you aren't familiar with Camp Smile, it is a residential summer camp for individuals with disabilities and their siblings.  It is located in Mobile, Alabama and is hosted by United Cerebral Palsy of Mobile.  In a word, it is simply INCREDIBLE.  (For more information, go to www.campsmilemobile.org.)  This past weekend was their family weekend camp.  It was better than I even anticipated!  A teacher at Luke's school told me about the camp and now that Luke is 5, he is old enough to attend.  I knew that Luke would want to go but I wasn't sure how my Nathan would feel about it.  The summer camp is 4 nights away from home.  (Quite honestly, that will be harder for me than it will be for them!).  When I mentioned it, they both seemed excited initially, but as I feared, Nathan started to change his mind and didn't know about being away from home.  When we found out about the family weekend, we decided to try it and see what the boys thought about camp.  It was so good, they cannot wait to go back! Thank you Ms. Melanie for telling us about this place!


I really wish everyone could experience Camp Smile.  It is truly a special place with amazing campers and selfless (and very well trained) volunteers, many who come back year after year, to work with these precious kids.  The first night we were there, I had to fight back tears most of the evening.  I know that is not uncommon for me, emotional gal that I am.  But this place really moved me.  To look around and see the campers, all different but still so much alike.  They simply were happy to be there.  The smiles on their faces showed their excitement to be at camp.  No one "stood out".  Being different was the norm there, and it was a beautiful norm.  Able-bodied volunteers where serving children who could not always help themselves.  It was a place where a kid could just be a kid, not a kid with a disability.  No judgmental stares.  No reasons to be embarrassed.  No pressure to fit in.  No societal or physical limitations.  And at mealtime, different campers would get the opportunity to ask the blessing. Some could say a few words, others only sounds.  But everyone knew the prayer and we followed along: "God our Father.....once again....we ask you for these blessings.....Amen."  It was a little slice of heaven.

The smiles on the campers faces were endless.  But, the smiles did not stop there.  For parents, this camp is a place of acceptance and rest.  To see your child enjoy activities that typical kids participate in regularly brings such joy.  The special accommodations at camp allow kids with varying degrees of disability to participate in activities such as horseback riding, fishing, archery, music and crafts, to name just a few.  The opportunity to meet other families who can identify with similar struggles is very encouraging and comforting.  Roger and I enjoyed getting to know other parents there and we made new friends this weekend.  We, too, are all different but there is a bond that makes us alike, our heart for our children and the challenges they face.  It was an awesome weekend!

Nathan and Luke made many memories.  They didn't want to leave.  The first thing out of Nathan's mouth Sunday morning was "I don't want to leave, Mom.  I like this place."  I am so glad he did.  They both had a blast.  They met new people too.  It was so good for them both.  They rode horses, fished, played drums, played with remote control boats, participated in arts and crafts and so much more.  They just enjoyed being at camp.  Nathan really took it all in.  He is an observer and he had a million questions.  Our camp counselor would have never known that Nathan is introverted. He talked and talked!  He felt so comfortable there. Initially, he was hesitant when it was time to go ride horses.  He told me he really didn't like horses and did not want to ride.  When we got there, Luke didn't hesitate.  He was eager to ride.  Nathan decided he would try it too.  He loved it!  Both boys volunteered to ride again when given the opportunity. They were so relaxed! Luke is still talking about getting to ride on "So-kee) (Smokey). And as for Nathan, the one I was worried the most about, he seemed to be more independent at camp and a little more outgoing than usual.  It was so great to see that!   The memories we made this weekend were priceless!












Thank you Ms. Melanie for telling us about camp! Thank you Ms. Cecy for running this awesome place! And thank you Camp Smile for being there and caring for these amazing kids! We can't wait for summer camp and for the next family weekend!