This summer I decided to avoid all therapy camps and enroll my son in a traditional camp so that he could take a break from his work and just swim and play. He spent the entire first session with an inclusion counselor who helped him stay on track with his typically developing Bunk. She was not going to be at camp the last week of second session so we knew we would probably be working with someone else. At one point during the summer, an employee started telling me about the non-inclusion, special needs camp and while I had seen it and heard about it, I hadn't thought about putting Nash in that group until after we spoke. She explained how the activities were geared toward kids with his interests. When the director heard that I expressed interest in the other program, she offered to let N in for the last week of 2nd session which was the perfect solution because he did not yet have an assigned counselor to work with him after his had to leave.
I asked various staff members to keep an eye out this week to compare his experiences. Yesterday the director called just to tell me how happy my boy was and what a great day he was having. Each counselor I pass by during drop off and pick up stops me to tell me what a great week he is having. Today when I picked him up I noticed that he was wearing a shirt I've never seen. I immediately thought that he had an accident or spilled on it. I asked who the shirt belonged to and the unit head said "it's his, we had super hero day today so we made it." The most adorable Captain
All summer I thought I was giving him a great experience and I do love the idea that the kids in his original bunk would help cheer him on and encourage him to try activities but now I realize he is right where he belongs. Next year we will start the summer in this program and if he feels like he wants to try the inclusion camp we can always move him but I think he will feel right at home. An energy filled, positive group with kids who are excited to "be his friend" (I met his group and they were excited he was joining them.)
Inclusion has always been the ultimate goal but happiness and comfort seem to have taken first place. We are lucky because our babes is really happy anywhere but I'm so thrilled that he is beyond happy in his new program and we now have a clear decision for next summer.
