Tag: autism summer camp

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Autism and a Fun Day to End a Special Week

Autism and a Fun Day

Casey and Rob came home Friday morning after a week at Camp Echoing Hills. Rob leaned his forehead on mine for a second when he saw me, while Casey gave me her sweet smile. It was getting miserably hot, even early in the morning, so they didn’t want to stand around too long. We drove around to the building where Mandy works so they could say hi to her and headed home.

She went right to her room to listen to music and fold socks. I peeked in after about an hour and she was still happily swaying back in forth in front of her dresser folding her socks. Rob crashed. He turned his AC on and that was that. He got up for lunch and went back to bed. I hope that doesn’t mean he kept his entire cabin up the whole week!

Rob told me he watched Mary Poppins and he went swimming. He ate Pop Tarts. And he went swimming. He took a shower. And he went swimming (are you starting to notice the pattern? 🙂 ). He was happy to be home, but he had fun, too.

Casey said she saw animals (she didn’t go to the barn alone! Score one! She did get upset that it was storming/raining when it was her turn to go, so one of the camp directors took her in the rain – how awesome is that?) and sang Baby Blue in the talent show. I asked her if Rob sang or if he watched – she said Rob can’t sing. 🙂 She also told me she went swimming, but only one time.

It made me feel so good to see how the counselors came to give the kids hugs and say goodbye to them. It was crowded so it was hard to see everyone – and Casey and Rob are ready to go! I wish I had time to talk to their counselors and see what they did and if they made any friends. I have so many questions, but the most important thing is they had fun. Casey has already asked when camp is next summer. Rob won’t ask, but he’ll be ready to pack when I tell him it’s time.

Today, we got to go to a birthday swimming party! Andrew is a young man whose mom worked with Casey and Rob a few years ago and he met them. He turned 14 this week and asked if Casey and Rob could come to his birthday party. It was going to be at a pool near our house that we haven’t been to, yet. To be honest, I wasn’t sure about going, but knew we needed to try it.

We went early before the pool got crowded (though, it never did today!) and they both got right in the water. I wondered how long they would last, as it is just a pool and doesn’t have water spouts or anything that Rob likes. We were there for over 3 hours! And really, the biggest reason we left wasn’t them, but that it began thundering and Casey does not like storms.

She got to have pizza and cupcakes while Rob enjoyed the almost empty pool. And – he was swimming! He kicked off the wall, kept his head underwater and was using his legs and arms. I’ve seen him kick before, but never use his arms, too! Maybe someone at camp helped him? I don’t know – I only know that every time I tried to show him, he ignored me. 🙂 He had a small ball and played with it for a long time. Both of them played catch with Andrew, a friend of his and his mom, Tory.

It was so much fun. “Typical” families rarely think about a birthday party like a family with special needs does. I hoped that Rob wouldn’t be too loud and disturb people who were trying to relax. (He did start repeating his favorite sandwiches from different restaurants and I asked him to use a quieter voice, but I don’t think he bothered anyone.) I hoped Casey would not help herself to anyone else’s coolers (yep – that’s happened many times!). I hoped she would be okay leaving early, if he needed to.

I hoped she would be patient for the “birthday” part of the party. I hoped he would last long enough. I didn’t want their quirks to ruin Andrew’s party or disturb other guests. Casey joined the birthday part, but Rob chose to stay in the pool and that was fine. My little weather man told me it was “stormy” and the sky was beginning to look dark, so we left soon. I can’t wait to take them to the pool again!

I wish it was always as easy as today was. Andrew is a special young man to have invited them to his party and his family was very welcoming to us. That’s not always something we can be sure of finding.

I truly hope that everyone who helped care for Casey and Rob and make sure they had a safe, fun week knows how much I appreciate them. I can’t always find each of them to say thank you, but they are in my thoughts. It does take a village to raise children (and adults! 🙂 ) and they are all part of our village!

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Autism and a Week of Camp

Autism and a Week of Summer Camp

The day Casey and Rob have been waiting for has finally arrived! I just got home from dropping them off at camp until Friday afternoon. I don’t know how often Rob thinks about going to camp – he’s pretty easy-going – but Casey has been reminding me since we got home from our vacation.

I know Rob looks forward to camp. Friday, I told him he would be going today and he ran to his room, grabbed his cowboy hat and packed his swimming stuff. He was ready to go! Yesterday, when he saw his blankets washed and packed, he decided to pack his clothes, too. Socks, underwear and swimming clothes. That’s all. I asked if he thought he might need some shirts and pants, but he didn’t seem too worried about it. It took us about 3 minutes to get his clothes ready.

Casey, on the other hand, has to think about things. It took her almost 10 minutes to decide which socks to take. (I know this is an important decision, but still! 🙂 ) She didn’t care about what shorts she took, but everything else was a big thought. I always write their names on their things before we leave home and when I sat down to write Casey’s name in her shirts, I discovered her name was already in all of them. She remembered what shirts she took last year and took the same ones. Anyone else remember what they wore a year ago? I’m not sure I know what I had on yesterday!

They were so ready to leave. I’ll admit – I always have second thoughts about them going to camp. I love the camp and the staff and the volunteers, but it’s hard to be without them for a week. I’m so grateful for the break and I know they are safe, but it’s still hard to say goodbye. Rob leaned on me for a second or two but really didn’t care that I was leaving. Casey smiled her sweet smile and told me “barn? animals?” I had to remind her not to leave her group! She was NOT allowed to go to the barn alone! (She has made this little side trip twice – Mom is not happy with her!) She gave me a hug and told me bye and went off with her counselor.

It’s hard for another reason. This week of camp is for young adults with disabilities. Some have Down’s Syndrome. Some have autism. Some are in wheelchairs – all types of young people and they are all happy to be there. It’s hard for me to listen to the other campers excitedly say hi to their friends they haven’t seen since last year.

They yell hi to their counselors and talk to each other happily. And I see Rob off by himself grinding crayons and Casey sitting in a chair. They are both happy and doing what they want – I know that. But – it’s hard. I wish they were able to join in. I wish Casey was giving a “shoulder hug” to someone from last year. I wish Rob was talking about Power Rangers or the Wizard of Oz with someone. I wish I knew if they even cared that they aren’t interacting as much as the other campers.

There are so many things I wish I knew – just like every other autism parent. Maybe someday, I’ll know the answers. Maybe someday, Rob will talk to his counselors as he grinds crayons or rips cardboard. Maybe someday, Casey will be excited to see girls from the year before.

For now, I’ll keep wondering and worrying. I have the schedule for the week. I see swimming every day – Rob will love that. I see a talent show – Casey will love that. (I wonder what she will sing – I know she will want to be in it!) There is a campfire one night and an outdoor movie – both things they enjoy. I know that Friday, they will both run to see me (actually, Casey runs TO me – Rob runs BY me! :)) and they will be happy to be home. And I’ll be happy, too.

Because no matter where they are, I’m first a mom and it’s hard to be just me sometimes. I haven’t made many plans for the week. Shopping with Mandy. Maybe a casino. Writing. Playing with Blue. Eating a hot meal or two. Going to bed when I’m tired instead of when they sleep. 🙂 Simple things – but those are the things that truly make me happy! 🙂 🙂

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Summer Camp Time – How to Spend the Quiet Time

In about an hour, I’ll be loading the kids and all their stuff into the car and heading to Echoing Hills for their week of summer camp.  Casey can’t stop giggling, while Rob just keeps asking for camp.  And autism mom will be wondering what to do first.

They are packed and ready to go.  Casey finally made the biggest decision of the summer and chose Bert to go to camp with her.  She was trying to choose between Grover and an Elmo that haven’t gotten to go, yet, but apparently, at the last minute, she decided Bert needed to get away.  Her eyes were twinkling as she packed him carefully into her suitcase with a soft towel to keep him safe.

Last night, I heard Rob in his room, but I couldn’t tell what he was up to (and isn’t that scary, autism parents??).  When I went to check, I found him carefully packing his clothes.  He was folding each item neatly and putting all of his pants in one corner of his suitcase and his shirts in another.  I was so proud of him!  He even thought to put his towels and underwear in, too!

It was so cool to see him take such an active interest in packing.  Usually, he just makes sure I pack his favorite clothes (is it terrible that I wouldn’t mind if some of them didn’t come home?  🙂  )  But, if he lost something precious to him out there, I’m sure it would cause anxiety the next time, so I guess I’d just better hope it makes it home.   I’m sure he was packing for two reasons – because he was excited and to make sure I didn’t put any new clothes (God forbid!) in his suitcase.  He wants his comfy stuff and that’s all we packed.

I know lots of families take advantage of the kids being cared for for a week and take trips, but I like being home.  It sounds silly, but it’s so cool to not have to think about helping with baths/showers for a few nights and to watch TV at 8:00 if I want (that’s usually bath time)  I can go to bed at 9, if I want and not need to wait until they go to sleep.  I can have some junk food without them trying to sneak some, too.  (By the time I have a snack, they have already had theirs and I really watch how much they eat)

So, this week, I’m painting the living room and fixing the floor.  I could do it with them here, but it’s so much easier not having to worry about Rob’s anxiety when he comes home to discover Mom has destroyed the living room and moved everything.  I can take my time and not kill myself trying to get it done in one day while they are at the workshop.  Anyone else know what I mean?  🙂

As happy as they are to go, I have mixed feelings every time.  I know they are happy and having a great time and I do enjoy the break from autism, but they are such a part of me, that sometimes, it’s hard to separate us.  Maybe that doesn’t make much sense, but being a autism mom is me – the main thing in my life.  Not having someone to take care of is odd to me.  Enjoyable for a few days, but then I’m ready to get back to our routine.

The week will go so fast, but I’ll be one of the first moms to be at the camp Friday.  I can’t wait to see them.  I will wonder on the drive out if they will react like usual – Casey running for a hug with a big smile and Rob barely acknowledging me until we get home, when he leans his forehead to mine and smiles his sweet smile.

This year, I have a better understanding of what they will be doing doing the week.  I’ve volunteered at the camp on Mondays this summer and I’ve seen what they get to do.  I’ve always heard about it, of course, but seeing is even better.  And I’ve seen the same counselors week after week, happily helping whatever group is there that week.  (Each week is a different group – children, teens, young adults, older adults, autism, etc)  I’ve seen them go without their own lunch to follow a wanderer around the room to be sure that camper is safe.  I’ve seen them help campers eat and laugh at the silly jokes of others.

I’ve seen them dance silly dances because a camper asked them to.  I watched them carefully wipe faces of older adults and children.  I’ve seen them deal with difficult behaviors with a smile on their face and comfort a homesick camper.  To be honest, I could be a counselor for a week, but I’m not sure I could do it for the whole summer.  Maybe because care taking is a full time thing for me, while for the counselors it may not be.  Either way, the love I’ve seen makes this summer even easier to drop them off.

It also helps that Mandy works at the camp, now.  If there is an emergency, she can be with Casey or Rob in minutes.

So I’ve been thinking about what else I want to do during the week.  I’ve got my plans for the living room laid out, but I want some fun, too.  Walks with Blue and my friends, maybe?  Maybe I’ll read a book all day.   Maybe see a movie – or just watch a movie at home in my PJ’s.  Maybe I’ll go to the pool with my friend and not have to worry about watching the kids – can you imagine just sitting on a chair and catching some sun instead of chasing kids?

Maybe I’ll eat popcorn for supper one night and French fries for lunch.  Maybe I’ll sit in the porch swing for hours and watch the birds.  Maybe I’ll take a nap every day and stand in the shower for as long as I want.  Maybe I’ll get groceries.  Maybe I’ll write.  Maybe I’ll finally catch up on the list of stuff I wanted to get done this summer.  Maybe I’ll spend the week crafting.  Maybe I’ll go through their clothes and get rid of what doesn’t fit anymore.  Maybe I’ll just watch the ceiling fan blades go around.  The whole plan right now is to not have a plan.  Walks early in the morning and workouts in the afternoon, maybe?  Yoga on the patio as the morning warms up.  Who knows?

Casey is still giggling and saying camp every few minutes.  She apparently is worried that I’ll forget that today is the day!  The day she has been waiting for since last July.  They both love the weekend respites, but summer camp is extra special.  She is asking for certain counselors and talking about the talent show.  Rob is just watching me and waiting for me to say those magical words “It’s time to go!”

** Update – when I said it was time to go, Rob ran to car and refused to get out for a picture so Casey got as close as she could.  😊

When I was leaving, Casey barely looked up from her color by number, but Rob stood up, gave me a real hug and said “Wuv you, Mommy Jen” all before I said anything to him.  I had tears in my eyes – first time he has ever said that unless he’s repeating what I said to him.  💙💙💙💙

 

 

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Thank you, Camp Echoing Hills!

Camp Echoing Hills

All is right in this autism mom’s world!  About half an hour ago, the kids got home from a week at  Camp Echoing Hills.  I was so excited all morning – just waiting to go pick them up.

The camp is so organized that when I got there, I could sign the kids out and load all of their stuff before I went to get them.  Each parent (caregiver) is given a paper showing that they signed the person out of camp, so that when I went to get the kids from the Rec hall, the counselors knew who I was there for.  (Like they need it – I think everyone knows me!)

Anyway, Casey and Rob were both sitting on the long porch, waiting.  Casey saw me first and the smile – oh the sweet smile – just  melted my heart.  Her eyes were shining and she jumped up to give me a hug – a real hug and even a kiss (with the mmmooooiii) sound on the cheek.  Rob saw me, then, and came right over.  “You are my friend, Mommy Jen.”  Yes, buddy – always, always your friend!

Rob was ready to bolt (he was hot – too stubborn to go inside when he knew I was on my way) but he did let his cabin counselors give him hugs.  He didn’t hug back, but leaned against them.  What an amazing sight to see!  I hope those young men know how special they are to Rob – he doesn’t like to be close to people, unless he completely trusts them.

The fact that cabin counselors came running to say goodbye to the kids meant the world to me.  I wish I could stand and talk to them – ask questions about the kids’ week.  What did they do?  Did he eat?  Did they sleep?  Did they make friends?  I want to know everything, even though I know that even typical parents don’t hear details about camp.

I did hear how silly Rob was one evening.  I heard that he went swimming as much as he could.  (and I wish so much we still had our pool!)  I heard that he drew faces on the steamed up windows.  I heard he is awesome – cool – so much fun.  And I wanted to cry.  I know all of that – but for strangers to say it… it was just so amazing.  Again, I hope the camp’s counselors (volunteers!) know how much they mean to him – to us.

I heard from both kids that swimming was the best part.  I heard that Casey made new friends – and she, of course, told me their birthdays.  I heard there was a dance with funny music.  I have no idea what that means, but Casey said it was funny.  Something she must not listen to, maybe.  Rob said “Twist” so maybe it was a 50s dance.  He loves to do the Twist.  Casey told me she sang in the talent show – “Jesus Take the Wheel” – and that Rob just watched.

She said she rode go-karts and went fast.  He said “go karts” and “get the van.”  They saw birds and butterflies and they listened to Jesus stories.  They saw a big cross and they watched a fire.  She is already asking when summer camp is next summer.

Of course, as soon as they walked in the door, they dropped 100 pounds of laundry (or so it seems!) and blankets on the kitchen floor.  She took Grover to camp, so she had to run upstairs and see Elmo.  Mandy brought Rob a huge box of magazines so he was immediately in his chair and happily ripping papers.  Life is good.

I wish I could explain to Echoing Hills what the camp means to me.  I missed the kids so much this week, but I had fun, too.  I even took a break from writing – a true vacation for me.   It is an odd feeling.  I went shopping, to the movies, spent an entire evening with Mandy.  I even went for a walk with my best friend, Tracie – a real, spur of the moment, “Let’s do this” walk.  We even sat and talked – almost 2 hours.  What an awesome feeling.  I think I would like that freedom.

I didn’t worry about cooking meals and didn’t have to be home by 3 each day.  There was little laundry to do.  I read a book – scrapbooked and crafted.  The porches got painted.  I could have done that while they were at work, but it was so much easier not trying to get it done before they came home – knowing Rob would walk around barriers and through the wet paint.  (and he would – you are only supposed to come in the front door from work!)

I watched TV and went to bed when I was tired, not when Rob finally went to sleep.  I enjoyed the quiet.  And I wondered what they were doing.  I wondered if the storms hit the camp like at home.  I worried Rob was stressed about the weather.  I wondered if Casey got to go swimming.  I hoped their cabin mates would be friendly.  And I wondered more.

It’s crazy.  You can take the autism out of the house for a week, but you can’t take the autism out of mom.  I knew they were having fun and being well cared for.  I knew they loved going to camp.  (Rob had his shoes on at 10:30 Sunday morning – we don’t leave till 1 for camp)  I was pretty sure they had everything they needed.  But still, it’s impossible for me to stop being mom.

Camp is over for another summer.  We all had fun.  We missed each other.  We belong together – with breaks at times.  They don’t want to be with mom all the time.  They are adults and need freedom.  They need the chance to be themselves without me watching every minute.  I need the chance to be me – not just their mom.

You need those chances, too.  So do your children.  They can’t grow to become the person they need to be if they aren’t given the chance to explore the world.  You will always worry – that can’t be stopped.  You still need to let your kids try new things.  You will be scared and they may be, too, but they need the opportunity.

If they want to learn to dance, find someone to teach them.  If they love to paint, find a teacher.  You will be surprised at how many talented people would love to help teach your child a new skill.  You won’t know until you ask.

As for me, I’m going to tackle laundry and thank God for Camp Echoing Hills – for counselors who see how special my kids are – for a staff that does everything possible for a fun, safe week.  I pray that every counselor and staff person knows that huge difference they make in the lives of the campers and their families.  I want them to know that they are awesome and, while I may not know each of their names, I am so grateful for their dedication and caring for Casey and Rob.  I can never say thank you enough.