Random Blog Post 2


I began my volunteer work with the special needs community during the Summer of 2013, with Special Camp for Special Kids. During the week-long camp, I was paired with Alvin, a teenager who was paraplegic. While I was nervous about spending a week with a stranger, and helping him with his physical challenges, I soon remembered that he was just another kid, like me. We bonded during that week and still keep in touch.  

Since the Summer of 2013, I've deepened my involvement with the program because I know we are challenging peoples' perceptions. As a camp, we train new counselors every summer, and we demonstrate respect wherever our daily adventures take us, from the San Diego Zoo to Knott's Berry Farm. At Special Camp we look to make and develop friendships. This attitude of going into new, sometimes uncomfortable situations, and smiling making friends has impacted how I approach my life. 

I have continued to return to Special Camp for Special Kids for the following five Summers, and I plan to continue throughout college. When I meet someone, who has any type of physical or mental disability, I interact and enjoy our conversations – I hope the other person does, too. Beyond camp, I've helped families build wheelchairs, helped raise awareness and funds for autism, and supported our local universal access playground. The camp that I attended when I was thirteen has transformed me into the person I am today.

Comments

  1. Kiki's WeeklyApril 7, 2019 at 10:06 PM

    I think it's very admirable that you spent time working at this camp and have the desire to continue going back. One issue that many people don't realize is that kids do a lot of philanthropic programs for their college resume for a summer and forge real relationships with young children. What many don't realize is that its very disruptive when they expect to see you the next summer and they don't because you're just onto the next program. So its great that you have consistency with this program!

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  2. SandyApril 8, 2019 at 12:57 AM

    Thank you for the hard work you've done. I know that the volunteering was no easy task, but I'm glad you loved it.

    I used to be in Best Buddies for a year in high school and I really enjoyed being with the kids. Hopefully, I'll be able to get back into a similar program one day.

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  3. hannahApril 8, 2019 at 8:54 AM

    I really respect the work that you do and so glad that you were able to share it. Last week I volunteered at a soup kitchen and they had special needs people also helping and volunteering and I thought it was so nice to see all different types of people from the community coming together and supporting one another.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Free Your Mind!April 8, 2019 at 11:23 AM

    I really enjoyed reading your blog post and I admire the work that you do and have done. I did Best Buddies for a year during my freshman year and I absolutely loved the experience. I think what I enjoyed most about your post is the fact that you plan to keep coming back throughout your college years. Your work is so appreciated.

    -Clifton

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  5. AnonymousApril 8, 2019 at 11:33 AM

    It's truly amazing how these kinds of experiences can change your entire outlook on the world. I too have been to a similar camp back home and was utterly unprepared for the week would affect me. The opportunity to work side-by-side and for these kids is honestly like no other. You gain a new found respect for what these kids go through and the attitudes they take on in coping with it. Even the littlest things can make their day, making it hard for you to look at your own problems in comparison. I believe the experience as a whole made me a better person and based on your post, it seems like you can relate.

    -Grant Nunley

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