Today we got to visit our friends at Lifebridge Partnership's spring break camp. Even after the first day, all of the volunteers had made personal connections with the young campers, so we were all looking forward to visiting our little buddies again. This day's theme was pirates: every activity revolved around plundering and booty. The campers took on their buccaneer identities with gusto. "Arggghhh"s could be heard from all corners of the facility. For physical activity, we played a game of pirates vs. sailors, a high seas take on cops and robbers. Giggling ensued immediately not only amongst the campers but us too; the enthusiasm these kids have is so contagous. Martial arts was next on the list and the energy levels didn't fade. We were partnered with our favorite campers and got to learn hand-to-hand combat, a very useful skill when boarding enemy vessels. Although some injuries were acquired, the spirit of Bruce Lee was alive in all of us and the strikes just kept coming. To flesh out our campers' creative side, the arts and crafts station had us make treasure maps showing where our secret treasure was located. Some of the campers teamed up, which was really sweet to see. These kids really look out and care for each other, something that was displayed in all of their actions. Giant spiders, sea monsters, and active volcanoes were some of the deadly obstacles that treasure hunters had to face. The creativity amongst our group was astounding, with some maps even impressing the least ardent of adults. Soon after, a treasure hunt began, and the zeitgeist of the campers was tangible. Kids were tripping over one another to get to the next clue. At the final stop, a giant X was found and the treasure was seized: an assortment of sweets and toys.
One of the more impressive acts put on for the children was a fo-pirate ship, complete with cannons and a crows nest. You could see the light radiating from their eyes: the campers really put the jolly in Jolly Roger. No passing vehicle or pedestrian was safe from our cannon fodder and steel cutlery, nor could they fend of the infectious merriment shown in these kids. After a long day, we were sad to say a last goodbye to our little partners, and the feeling was mutual. Over the past two days, bonds were made and friendships began to blossom. Their hugs squeezed out the last of our energy, and we reluctantly went our separate ways.
These campers taught us as much or even more than we, them. Through our one-on-one interactions, it was quite obvious that each of these kids were one of a kind and had unique obstacles presented to them from birth. A singular approach to a certain disability is not at all the best way to engage children with disabilities. Just like us, they are all unique and a personalized plan of action is required. For the volunteers who haven't had much experienced with the disabled, there was much surprise about how independent these kids were. Even those who used wheelchairs and crutches to get around did not allow their disability to limit their sense of adventure and passion for life. Often the stereotype of the helpless disabled person over represents itself in the average person's mind and, as we all knew or learned, this simply isn't true. As stated earlier, these kids are all unique and one image couldn't ever represent the wonderful diversity and characteristics displayed by our campers. We weren't the only ones giving joy and hope. A lot of what we saw and did brought about feelings of happiness and a sense of accomplishment in us all. Within the two short days we got to spend with the campers, we could see progress being made. One of the more notable instances was when a nonverbal camper spoke for the first time at camp after sitting down with a UT volunteer. It's hard to pinpoint exactly what makes such a drastic change in these kids' minds, but we can't help but think that our presence at this camp and other sites is really making a difference. It was a truly amazing moment that will linger in our minds for some time to come.
The wonderful people who ran the camp, Life Bridge, are not only limited to children but extend their helping hand to the adult disabled community as well. They have over forty programs a month for these folks to help them get out of the house and experience the wonderful things this world has to offer. They individually make goals with the participants in detailed steps to make it easy and very reachable for them. Trips range from the Walmart to a Boyz 2 Men concert and everything in between. Public support through fundraising and increasing awareness has allowed LifeBridge to grow as dramatically as it has in the past few years. Overall, it was yet another wonderful day we got to share with new friends and our fellow peers. We will dearly miss our campers, but more excitement and service awaits and we couldn't be happier about that.
Juli and Alexander
And here are some bonus photos from our visit to Ted Drewes, late night s'mores, mafia, and other happenings.
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