We were so excited to be able to attend camp in person this year and as I say every year it was a little piece of heaven on earth. It looked a little different because of all the COVID restrictions still in place in that county and honestly I wasn't sure how it would go. But turns out that in ways it was even better than a typical year. Fewer people meant more time to catch up or really get to know other moms/volunteers/leaders. Having all the activities outside was such a beautiful and relaxing experience. Junior didn't get overwhelmed by the noise/lights/activity meaning he wasn't needing to come in and out of things. I had been concerned about the mask rules since Junior may wear one to run into a store, or for allergies but for all day, in the summer I knew it would be a disaster for him. He was not pushed or expected to wear one, everyone respected each others needs and way of handling things.
We packed up and headed to camp on Monday morning. Junior didn't sleep much because he was so excited and couldn't wait to see all his friends. Of course that meant by the time we arrived he was already tired. He still enjoyed Mondays activities just in a more low key way. At camp though he can be himself, he is celebrated and accepted for who he is not what he can or can't do. If he is having a rough time he is loved just as much as when he has his huge smile on his face. People actually speak to him and interact with him no differently than they do everyone else. At camp he feels like the "popular kid", everyone knows his name and comes to say hi or shouts out to him as he goes past. For a child that is constantly stared at, pointed at, talked down to(or not talked to at all), judged by how many ability boxes are marked off on a chart, camp is so much more than a week off and a place to go relax. Being surrounded by others who are walking this journey and who can empathize with struggles as well as celebrate the accomplishments and see the joy and blessings is something that isn't able to be put into words. Only one word comes to mind when I try to get people to understand why camp is so important to us and that word is Heaven.
It was such fun to spot this poster when we arrived and Junior decided he was famous now.
Opening ceremony with his amazing STM(buddy) Hannah. We were so blessed to have her be matched with Junior for the week. She knows him well and has plenty of experience with medical issues and trachs. Best of all he thinks she is fantastic and he was getting to spend time with a friend.
Tuesday was dress-up day(the theme was royalty). Junior was a king and Yonder was king of the jungle.
A visit to the wildlife learning center on campus.
He made a new-t friend.
Meals were all outside which ended up being a blessing with the heat.
A break in the room to cool down. The heat rolled in and we were doing a bit of cooking. I was so very thankful I had brought an ice maker and Junior's fan.
Square dance time, can't have camp without some dancing.
Yonder watching his boy
Ready for another day of fun.
Petting zoo but by this time it was so hot so Junior checked out the animals then checked out for a nap and cool down.
Wednesday night was the parent dinner. It looked totally different than usual but for me that totally different ended up being the most enjoyable one I have attended. I can't believe I didn't take any pictures aside from this one of Yonder under the table. He was such a good boy and slept under the table all through dinner.
Then it was down to the "fire pit" for smores. Another better for us than on a usual year situation. Typically its in a different spot with a regular "fire pit" meaning smoke which with a trach means we can't get close. This year it was a different type fire pit which meant Junior could be part of the smores making and not end up in distress because of his trach and the smoke.
Crazy hair/hat day. Before we left for camp Junior had picked out his shark mask to take along for this day. He was quite happy about being a shark and had even picked out his shark shirt to go with his hat.
Yonder went with his lion costume again
Worship time each day was amazing as usual, I really enjoyed it being outside in this beautiful setting.
Goofing around with his STM
No camp is complete without a snow cone and cotton candy.
even Yonder got a snow cone(and proof that I actually was there, I prefer being behind the camera so am rarely in the pics)
Junior was able to ride the motorbike again and was thrilled. I was helping him on the ride so no pics but this is right after he got done.
Happy pup was loving all the attention and getting to hangout outside.
You can tell he is done and hot at this point but he had to be sure to dunk Greg in the dunk tank before we headed to the room to cool down.
This pup, we came back to the room to cool down and he jumped on the bed and stretched out.
Yonder getting some loving from his friends.
Mom, you told me to sitz you didn't tell me where.
watching the talent show
Yonder took a less involved approach
Junior actually did wear a mask at camp just not in the traditional way. Soaked in ice water they were the perfect thing to help cool him down. He also thought it was just the perfect way to put his masks to use.
Movie time while I was packing
Yonder was hard at working filling out happy grams(happy grams are notes everyone leaves on the wall for each other )
Home, within a few minutes both were sound asleep.
An amazing week surrounded by so much love and joy.
If you would like to learn more about Joni & Friends Family Retreat or their other various programs for those affected by disability visit https://www.joniandfriends.org/
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