THE SKY’S THE LIMIT
March of Dimes camp staffer recalls joy of watching kids spread their wings,
Each week during the campaign, campers and staff from Fresh Air Fund camps will share their memories in their own words. Lindsay Scriven has worked at the March of Dimes Conductive Education Summer Camp for the past seven years. Each summer, I’ve had the honour of working with an amazing group of kids who are motivated to learn and achieve new personal goals. The Conductive Education summer camp program allows children with neurological motor disorders to have fun while gaining independence. Kids are valued for the incredible skills they have already achieved and are motivated to push the boundaries and try new physical tasks.
When the children arrive, wheelchairs and other physical equipment are left at the door. This gives the children the opportunity to move freely and to develop new skills. More importantly, it allows the children to be children, regardless of their physical disabilities.
Each camp program focuses on a specific theme. This summer, the children will spend two weeks learning about the human body. They will explore their five senses while participating in a variety of sensory programs. They will use their body parts to play music, create artwork and even cook pancakes for our annual lemonade/bake sale.
Even within a short two-week period, the staff is amazed by the achievements children make in both their physical skills and self-assurance.
Staff members here go the extra mile to ensure that children leave each day feeling proud and confident in their abilities.
It has been a truly gratifying experience to work at the camp each year, and I am looking forward to creating new memories with the children and staff this summer.