Camp of Abilities
By Brianna Carter , @ mamaknowsnada
There ’ s nothing quite like the fun and freedom of the summer sun . And the best way to feel the warmth of the season ’ s vibes is to jump into a camp with friends . But which one to choose ? With so many activities and opportunities , it can be challenging to choose an environment that fuses development with entertainment .
What about a camp where your kid , especially a teen , can build empathy , patience , creative problem-solving skills and better communication ? Someplace where their impact would be incredible and so would the relationships they create . It ’ s not what you might think .
“ The idea that someone with a disability can ’ t contribute anything of value is completely inaccurate ,” says Joanne Alicea , CEO and founder of Ability Tree First Coast ( ATFC ), who is also a mom to a child with Down syndrome . Understanding how atypical peers navigate the world fosters camaraderie and empathy . They ’ re interacting with people who have the same thoughts , emotions and desires , who may not be able to express or communicate them in traditional ways .
“ We ’ re more alike than different . We all want to be valued ,” Joanne notes . “ A level of compassion grows when you see the value in a person .” She has been
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