ABLE Youth, Inc.

Independence Camp - A GREAT Time

We had a very successful camp again this year.  Twelve kids in the program came out to learn all kinds of things about life: wheelchair mobility, dressing, self care issues, sweeping, laundry, making beds, washing dishes, filling out job applications, interviewing for jobs, nutrition, music, etc. In addition to these activities the kids rode hand cycles, played corn hole, horseshoes, cards, went jet skiing and tubing.  It was a great weekend for sure.

The weekend would have never happened if not for the incredible group of volunteers who gave their time and talent to help.  The "usual" helpers, along with some new faces, our awesome nurse, and the folks from Fleetone, all made the weekend a huge success.  A big thank you to Evan and Nathaniel who served as great examples/role models and spoke to the younger kids about setting goals and making dreams come true.

I know for sure the kids slept soundly Sunday night! Thanks again, and God bless you all.

Rick
PS Be SURE to look to the left of this page for the CAMP 2010 photos!

Independence Camp a HUGE Success!

Independence camp, held at Camp Widjiwagan, was a roaring success this weekend. We had 12 campers and LOTS of incredible volunteers to help the children learn various ways to become more independent in their daily life. Activities included laundry, wheelchair mobility, dressing, self care issues, sweeping, dish washing, filling out job applications, and job interviews. In addition to these activities the campers were allowed to climb the Alpine Tower and experience the Giant Swing. The kids also went canoeing, swimming, and participated in a Sea Otter outing. The Predators Foundation (who funded our Sea Otter outing with a grant) came out and filmed the kids who participated for viewing on the big screen during the Predators games.
JayRod, Braden, and Stephen, three kids in our tiny tots program, came out to visit to see what is in store for them as they get a little older. We appreciate them coming to hang out with the big kids.
Lots of Fleet One employees and family members came out on Saturday to prepare lunch, volunteer in the canoes and pool. and spend time with these precious kids. Thank you FLEET ONE!
It was a great weekend made possible by LOTS of great people! Thank you all.

Independence Camp: A Great Success

Independence camp was held over this past weekend with glowing success. The campers were taught all types of independence such as wheelchair transfers, mobility on all types of terrain, dressing independently, self care issues, wheelchair maintenance, popping wheelies to accommodate small and large curbs, laundry, filling out applications for jobs, participating in a simulated job interview, and actually driving an equipped vehicle with hand controls.

Activities for the kids included archery, arts and crafts, swimming, tubing, jet skiing, pontoon boat rides, and a pirate party complete with scavenger hunt.

I want to thank ALL the many volunteers who graciously gave of their time to help make this camp such a success. As the saying goes; "A program is only as good as it's volunteers." If that is indeed the case then we must have an awesome program, because the camp volunteers were top of the line.

Be sure to periodically check for updated camp photos as they are added to the blog.

See you all next year!