This summer, I went to overnight camp for a week at a camp called Camp Dream Street, a camp for kids with physical challenges. Camp was challenging for me. My family and I are very close, so it was hard to be away from them for that long. Also, I have a lot of anxiety, especially at night, because I can’t shut my brain off to fall asleep. There are too many thoughts buzzing around in my head that make me feel a certain way.
On the other hand, camp was just plain fun. It was also really accepting—I don’t have to worry about anyone being mean or staring, trying to figure me out. My differences don’t get ignored—it becomes a positive thing about me. Instead of, “Hey, why do you wear those AFOs?”, at camp the comment is, “I really like your AFOs. They’re really cool.” I get to meet other kids who understand me and my perspective on being different. It’s a really amazing experience.
Also, I get to focus on what I like there—arts and crafts, horseback riding, swimming. It isn’t hard to do these things at camp, even though it sometimes is hard at home. The counselors like to help, and they don’t act like it’s a really big deal to help you.
The people there are some of the most positive people I’ll ever meet. They have their challenge, and instead of dwelling on it, they’re like, “OK, now what?” That is how I want to be.
Camp is a really positive—and awesome—experience. I can’t wait to go back next year!
