Respite camp blesses children, families
Day camp for youth living with disabilities enjoys a full summer
This season is proving to be a major upgrade for the Summer Respite Day Camp run by Yarmouth Association for Community Residential Options (YACRO).
With COVID-19 pandemic restrictions eased, the program is giving young people living with disabilities the fun-filled experiences the season was made for.
Established nearly 10 years ago, the Summer Respite Day Camp is part of YACRO Respite services.
“Respite care is a family support service that promotes active living and provides temporary relief from physical demands involved with caring for people with disabilities,” says YACRO director of special programs, Aimee Acker, who notes most campers are living with autism.
In partnership with the Western Region Respite Program and Autism NS, the camp aims to support the participation of children and youth living with disabilities in community programs and events. It plans and organizes weekly events and daily activities that engage the participating children and youth, and enhances the quality of life for families while focusing on the individual’s unique interests and abilities.
And there’s a lot to get involved in.
“They have so many activities,” says Acker, who has worked with YACRO for about 13 years. “The campers love to be outside. They do a lot of the playgrounds around town; they love to go to the beach or Lake Milo; they’ll do swimming one day of the week.”
Other activities include live music, arts and crafts, baking and cooking, museum visits, games, sports and more. And, of course, everyone loves a day trip.
“One day of the week, we’ll do a trip out of town to get campers out and to try something different,” says Acker. “We do a trip to the zoo once a year, and this year we’re going to try the Dragonfly Haven Therapeutic Farm in the valley.”
Campers aren’t the only ones enjoying the summer adventures. With capacity for 20 campers each day, the camp is adequately staffed with camp facilitators comprised of an enthusiastic group of young people — usually university students — committed to delivering a positive and meaningful experience to all participants.
“We typically look for individuals that are working within the field and are looking for careers within the field,” says Acker. “A lot of times, we’ll have a student start, and they’ll stay with us for four years, so that provides a lot of stability for the camp. We have repeat campers, so it provides stability for them because they get attached and used to the people providing their summer program.”
This year, a camp lead will also be involved, providing an extra set of eyes and ears for campers, some of whom are considered high needs.
“We try to keep the ratio of staff to camper very low so campers are getting that oneon-one attention,” says Acker. “It’s kind of a three-to-one ratio, so we can always have that one-on-one.”
Providing a high level of service, the Summer Respite Day Camp offers many benefits for participants.
“Campers are out, and they’re participating in activities that they might not (otherwised) participate in; they’re encouraged to move out of their comfort zone and try new things. Generally, the things that they try, they enjoy,” says Acker. “They’re meeting people, and they’re just out having fun, getting fresh air — spending their days enjoying themselves.”
Then there are the benefit for campers’ families, who can count on YACRO to ensure their children’s safety and care while having a ton of fun.
“Seeing the impact it has on families when they get that respite break; it helps the relationship so much better within the family dynamic because they’re able to enjoy their children, and they get to enjoy their time alone,” says Acker. “Like anyone with a child, they (need) a break, but a lot of times, the demands of having a child with a disability are much more intense.”
Registration opened in midMay so many spots have been booked for this year’s Summer Respite Day Camp and there is a waitlist. However, Acker notes a March Break Respite Day Camp will be coming up in March 2022. Meanwhile, to offer even more services, YACRO is working with local organizations to provide activities within the community.
For now, those lucky enough to experience this year’s camp have an unforgettable summer ahead of them.
To learn more about YACRO Respite Day Camp, visit https://respite.yacro.com.