It’s that time of the year again – a week of summer camp at Echoing Hills. Casey and Rob are excited, I think, and I am, too – mostly. It’s just such a weird time around the house without the constant thinking about what they are up to. It’s so quiet. It’s a time to realize just how much time I spend thinking about them.
That probably sounds odd. I know so many families where autism is an incredibly difficult journey – every day. I thank God that Casey and Rob are able to do as much as they do. I don’t think about how much I still take care of them. I’m told it’s because I’m used to it and just don’t think about it. There’s probably a lot of truth there. Autism is just our life.
It’s a different life than most people, but it’s not a bad life for any of us. I hear people say they couldn’t live my life, but I couldn’t handle theirs, either. Constant running their kids from place to place. Late nights with the car. Paying for car insurance. Our life is just a different set of worries.
Worries for summer camp are the same, for the most part, I think. Did we pack the right clothes? Did I remember to pack the sun screen? Will they get homesick? Will they make any friends? And every day, I wonder what they are doing and if they are thinking about me. I’m never sure Rob really wants to go for the whole week. I know he loves the weekend respites, but I also know that he’s a homebody and a few days away is about all he can handle.
He always seems happy to go, but he isn’t able to say he doesn’t want to. The volunteers and staff of the camp never tell me he’s unhappy and I’m sure they would call or text me if there was a problem. But, still, I worry. Casey will just tell someone she wants to come home. Rob won’t. I don’t know how often they see each other at camp. I know it would help Rob to see her and I’m sure she thinks about him. They watch out for each other when they go anywhere. (and that’s the coolest thing to see!)
I know when I get there Friday, they will both be waiting for me. The camp is so organized that I can gather all of their stuff and sign them out before they see me. That makes it so much easier! Then, when they see me – oh! The smiles! Casey runs to me and gives me a real hug with her sweet smile. She won’t let go of me as we walk to the car. Rob will jump up and will probably ask for the van as soon as he sees me this year. He will lean on me for a second, but it isn’t until we get home that he really says “hi.”
When they get home Friday, she will run to her room, turn on music and fold her socks. He will grab his iPad, turn his AC on and hit the recliner in his room. I will hear his giggles for a few minutes, then he will come to me and lean his forehead to mine or press his cheek against mine. He does hug, but this is his preferred way to say he missed me.
It’s a strange week for me. The quiet at home is interesting and it’s really strange to just go somewhere and not worry about being home when they get home from the workshop. It’s strange to be able to go to sleep whenever I want and to not have to guard the food constantly. It’s odd to be able to watch TV without the evening bath/shower ritual. I’m not sure what to think.
It’s a freedom I don’t have often, but I’m not sure I can say I miss it. It’s not something I ever had, so I can’t really miss it. I think about the kids the whole time. I know they are fine and I know they are having fun. But, it’s just a mom thing, I guess. I wish they could tell me what they did when they get home. I wish I could hear about the friends they made. I wish they could tell me what their favorite part of camp is.
The break is wonderful. I have some projects that I want to do around the house that I don’t want to attempt when Casey and Rob are here, simply because it will stress them too much. I plan to go to bed early some nights, just because I can. I plan to spend time with Mandy and my friends. I know I need the break. You need one, too.
Hopefully, there is a summer camp near you for people with special needs. We are blessed that Echoing Hills is only about 20 miles from our house. Look on the internet or talk to your county board of developmental disabilities for possible camps. Don’t worry about the cost right now – just search for one. Ask other parents if their child attends camp and what they think of it.
Visit the camp before your child goes. You won’t feel comfortable leaving your child until you have visited and asked every question you can think of. Talk to the staff about specific issues your child may have. Talk to the volunteers.
While you are visiting, ask the camp about possible scholarships to help pay for camp. Many local service clubs offer to pay for camp for kids with special needs. If your child has a waiver, the waiver may pay for it. There are several ways to pay for camp – don’t let cost stop you from checking into it! Every child deserves a chance to go to summer camp – your child’s autism shouldn’t make a difference.
You may think that the staff will never understand your child’s quirks. You may think your little one will have meltdowns and then what will happen? Trust me – I had those thoughts! But – the application you fill out will be extremely detailed (and if it isn’t, consider another camp) about your child’s likes and dislikes. You will also need to supply the camp with your child’s IEP or ISP. You will have a chance to talk to the staff when you drop your child off. At Echoing Hills, they are trained on each person in their cabin. Safety is always the main concern.
It will be very hard to leave your child with strangers. Trust me – the first time I dropped the kids off for a weekend, I cried all the way home and worried the entire weekend. I couldn’t tell you anything I did except think about them. I was early to pick them up – and they weren’t ready to leave. They had fun and couldn’t wait to go again. Hopefully, your child will have as much fun!
Even if you don’t think you do, you need a break. Just a few days to feel like you – instead of an autism mom, dad, grandparents, whatever. A few days to take a breath and watch TV or sleep the time away. (I’ll admit – a few weekends they went, that’s about all I did. Rob wasn’t a good sleeper for many years!) Explore summer camp options for your child and get the break you need! Time to pack their bags – tomorrow is the big day!
Just another GREAT writing of information. I can feel your anticipation, worry and relaxation. Thanks Jen.
I’m like this every year.I think we remembered everything. 🙂 thanks, Lyn.