For many of us, summer is a time to unwind. It’s a time to pull the camping gear out of storage, see if last year’s swimsuits still fit, and fight with traffic on the way to the lake. Many people associate summer with having more time to relax and recharge. For parents of children with diverse abilities, summer is all of those things – but it’s also a time when there is more to do. Without the support of the school system, parents become full time caregivers for two months!
To make that task just a little easier, Bethesda runs summer camps every summer to provide respite opportunities to families, and a fun and supportive place for our school-age campers, like Eva.
Eva’s family first heard about summer camp when her mom, Maggie, met with Bethesda’s Director of Family Support and began attending our parent support group. Recognizing the family’s need for respite in the summer, Eva was offered a spot at summer day camp.
“Eva’s summer day camp experience provided a respite opportunity for our family,” Maggie explains. “While her siblings were busy with their own activities, Eva really looked forward to her day camp adventures!”
Eva attended her first Bethesda summer camp last year and had so much fun she can’t wait to come back.
Not only did Maggie and the rest of the family have extra time in their schedule, Eva had a blast making new friends, exploring her community, and trying new things with the support of Bethesda’s summer staff. Together with staff and fellow campers, Eva enjoyed doing crafts, singing, and taking excursions like regular visits to Mill Lake, which Eva says were her favorite.
Knowing Eva was not only having fun, but was well supported in a safe environment, meant Eva’s family could really enjoy the time this afforded them. “We did not have to plan anything but a ride for Eva on camp days, and we knew she would be very happy and tired out when she got home,” explained Maggie. Bethesda’s summer camp staff made sure to get to know Eva, her gifts and her interests, and ensured she knew she had a place to belong at camp.
While summer may still be a few months away, Bethesda – and campers like Eva – are already thinking about, and preparing for, another great summer together. “Eva is already asking to go back to Bethesda summer camp!” said Maggie. “We would definitely recommend it to other families like ours.”
Summer Camps relies heavily upon the generous donations Bethesda receives from supporters. Please consider a monthly donation to help send a child to camp for the summer months. Summer Camps also relies on finding the right summer staff with hearts big enough to support our campers. If you know of anyone 19-30 who is looking for a summer job, please encourage them to apply at SUMMER CAMP JOBS.
