Parent Magazine St Johns April 2022 | Page 23

running camps for individuals with disabilities for eight years . The organization supports people with disabilities and their families with activities , camps and parent ’ s night out . She has seen firsthand how all kids benefit from the interactions of their peers , with and without disabilities .
One such child is Patrice Barge , who is on the autism spectrum and has a diagnosis called Neurofibromatosis type 1 ( NF1 ). The condition causes tumors to grow on the nerves , and symptoms include light brown patches on the skin , freckles on the armpits or groin and skeletal abnormalities .
“ Patrice either forms a bond or doesn ’ t ; that ’ s her personality ,” says mom , Polly , of her daughter . “ But she always finds a coach to connect with . The high school kids always seem to find something in common with her .”
From the Volunteers
Maryn Walker is a teen volunteer for ATFC . Admittedly , when she started , it was about the service hours . To her surprise , she gained more than a graduation checkbox .
“ I didn ’ t realize that there was going to be a mutual benefit . I wasn ’ t sure that I ’ d be much of a help . Starting out , I didn ’ t have any experience with helping at summer camps , nor did I fully understand how to handle the unexpected situations that often happened at this one . But I think you adapt quickly to expect the unexpected because we cannot predict how any of the kids ’ days are going ,” Maryn recalls of her experience .
She has continued to volunteer because of the sense of community as well as the passion behind strengthening relationships between peer groups of differing abilities . Maryn adds , “ It ’ s also very educational and spreads information about things we don ’ t typically learn in school .”
Maryn isn ’ t alone in her appreciation and surprised personal growth . Gracie West has been working with ATFC for five years . Growing up with a friend on the autism spectrum , Gracie was aware of the exceptional bonds that could blossom . You can get along and have a conversation with anyone if you try ; it doesn ’ t matter their background or ability level , Gracie shares .
Fostering connections does come with a learning curve . “ Receptive versus expressive communication is a thing ,” acknowledges Gracie . “ You learn they ’ re not being rude ; they ’ re communicating in their way .”
Yet , it ’ s her greatest joy to be a light for others . “ It ’ s the greatest volunteer opportunity I ’ ve ever had , which is why I ’ ve done it for so long ,” Gracie says .
Jessica Osiadacz , V . P . of Girl Experience for Girl Scouts of Gateway , echoes these sentiments . She has watched young ladies host Smile Camp , seeing firsthand how campers and counselors flourish .
“ After volunteering at Smile Camp , they [ girl scouts ] have the capacity to help make spaces more inclusive and affirming for youth with disabilities ,” says Jessica . “ They also have the opportunity to build their leadership skills , including communication , collaboration , creativity , flexibility and conflict resolution .”
Smile Camp is organized by rising 9th through 12th grader counselors who are supported by alumni counselors . Each scout is paired with a camper for the week so the pair can form a bond and increase comfort in communication , play and collaboration .
How is inclusion helpful ?
When a person with a disability is engaging with peers who are modeling socially appropriate behavior , like what ’ s acceptable behavior in class or church or on the playground , their peers with disabilities are taking notes . “ Depending on the diagnosis ,” notes Joanne , “ social cues can be lacking for a person with a disability . It ’ s helpful to have those cues modeled by peers .”
And keep the expectations high . “ Differently abled individuals will rise to the occasion ,” Joanne encourages . “ They want to be accepted and adhere to such standards .”
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