As the last few days of my ASPIRE internship come to an end I find myself remembering all of the things I have gathered from being here. This was my first time trying an internship. It was quite the challenge. When you take an internship you can not expect it to be perfect all the time. I have gained many useful tips that I plan to take with me. In my time here I have also gained some valuable friends.
Last week was Camp Hope the largest project that I had been assigned. It was so fun to see all of the campers in action. While observing and also being a group leader there are some things I realized. My partner and I both had planned accordingly or so we thought. Just like any camp there were some mishaps along the way. Sometimes you can double and triple check your to-do list and still miss something. In this instance it was speakers for the laptop.
We both planned this project with the campers in mind. Since it is an all inclusive camp you have to be sure that the activities are available to everyone, not just the campers who do not have a disability. While thinking of these activities we decided to try a Disney theme. At the time this seemed like a good plan. However we had some participants who were older and uninterested in some of the activities.
Group activities seemed to go well. So did the ones that involved food, but who doesn't like food! Another problem that arose was not knowing the campers and the leaders very well. It was suggested that next year they hold a meet and greet before the camp starts. I think that is a wonderful idea. Some campers also said they would like to have a talent show. This is a great way to find common interests. It would also encourage them to work together.
When at the water park it seemed as if some of the volunteers did not want to be there. Sadly this will happen no matter where you go. Some people do not want to go they just do because someone else is making them. My worry was that the campers would go up into the kiddie section without a leader and then we could not see them. Next year if at all possible I would place more of the older adults with the young children to avoid running away and accidents.
There were also many
POSITIVE results I felt. One activity was making newspaper cowboy hats. All of the campers seemed to love making their own and having it to take home. We also got lucky and the Sunrise Zoo let us take the campers there to see the animals. There are so many nice companies that donate their time to be sure that Camp Hope happens.
This year we were also able to have a koala come from hospice. This was a nice way to let the kids take pictures and just loosen up on the first day of camp. The only thing is if you plan to do something like this be sure to include a photography waiver.This way the parents will not be upset if a picture is taken of their child and or adult.
Campers were also asked to bring their own bagged lunch. When at the Cattle Congress during the week we did provide snacks and drinks when needed. McDonald's donated the orange soda and we had another thermos filled with cold water for the hot days. Another activity that seemed to go over well is the experiment with vinegar and baking soda. Campers mixed the two and then added food coloring to watch a volcano like bubbling start to happen.
I have walked away with many helpful tips and experience with children with and without disabilities and look forward to applying these skills in the future.
