They say it takes a village to raise a child. This is especially true if you have a child with special needs.
This year’s social isolation has been hard. Imagine if it was normal, even routine. For Caitlyn, it is. Caitlyn has autism, ADHD, and epilepsy. She is immature, and kids often make fun of her behaviors and her “babyish” interests. This has made it hard for her to fit in and make friends.
Caitlyn’s parents try to help her. They love her and want her to be happy. They dream she will be confident and independent too. But it’s tough. Therapies and medications are expensive. Sometimes, Caitlyn goes to a world where only her stuffed toys are welcome. When that happens, everyone is frustrated and in tears. Nobody’s fault, but they all feel like failures.
Covid-19 hasn’t helped. When Caitlyn learned camp was canceled, she was broken hearted. Her parents were sad but a little relieved too. Like many other camper families, they knew Camp Summit was putting everyone’s health and safety first…just like always!
Thankfully, the “Camp Summit village” came through. Your donations last spring let us create online camp activities, Zoom events, and even sidewalk sing-alongs for Caitlyn to enjoy! It was the next best thing to real camp.
As we gear up for in-person camp in 2021, we know new guidelines will make it more costly to run camp. We will need more nurses, counselors, and medical supplies, plus enhanced cleaning methods, to keep everyone healthy and safe in our “new world.” Your support is vital to reduce the impact added costs will have on camper fees.
Your gift creates camp magic in a safe space for campers like Caitlyn.