“The most important part about camp is the inclusivity…”
“The most important part about camp is the inclusivity. It doesn’t matter where you’re from or what disability you have, you’re really able to engage with other people equally,” shares Jake, a longtime Easter Seals camper.
Jake is 21 years old and has been attending Easter Seals Camp Merrywood for around 15 summers. Over the years, he has had the opportunity meet a huge range of campers and looks forward to connecting with old friends when he arrives at camp. This past summer, Jake was lucky enough to have all of his friends from past years assigned to the same cabin. “I was like, ‘Oh, this is going to be fun,” Jake says laughing.
“It makes me feel more confident in myself, because it allows me to grow my independence.”
One of Jake’s favourite parts about camp is that its so engaging and he has the chance to be active and try new activities. After so many summers at Easter Seals camp, Jake has tried nearly all of the accessible and inclusive sports and activities Camp Merrywood has to offer. When asked to choose a favourite, Jake landed on kayaking. This summer, he also really enjoyed trying out the brand new accessible swimming ramp donated by the Gananoque Lions Club, noting that it made the experience way easier.
After a full day of camp activities, Jake looks forward to gathering at the fully accessible campfire pit that looks out over Big Rideau Lake. Surrounded by all of his friends, fellow campers, and camp staff, Jake loves to close out the day with classic campfire songs like “Angels Watching Over Me” and “Friends.”
Jake, who uses a wheelchair for mobility, explains the impact of his time at Easter Seals’ fully accessible camp: “It makes me feel more confident in myself, because it allows me to grow my independence. It’s funny though, a place not being accessible is not going to stop me from going there – I am still going to try to fight my way into those places anyway. But places like Easter Seals camp help, because they let me be a little bit more self-sufficient… taking care of myself throughout the day or communicating with others if I need help. I have learned to be a lot more confident with that for sure.”
Your support will help ensure more campers like Jake have the opportunity to attend a fully accessible Easter Seals camp.
Jakes mom, Clare, underscores this point, adding, “That’s the biggest change I’ve seen in him each year – the self-confidence and being able to advocate for himself and to problem solve. We live in an old town and there’s a lot of things that aren’t accessible. So Jake will use his head and figure out ways of getting around. The self-confidence Easter Seals camp has given him is amazing. He is who he is today because of those experiences.”
As a parent, Clare also highlights the importance of the respite that Easter Seals camp provides to families, “It allows you to have time to do your own thing, and you don’t have to worry about them. I know he’s well taken care of, and he will ask for help if he needs it. I can take time off or I can work extra if I want… it’s just a bit of breathing space and its wonderful.”
“That’s the biggest change I’ve seen in him each year – the self-confidence and being able to advocate for himself and to problem solve.”
Jake ended with a message for the next generation of campers and families who are thinking about trying out Easter Seals camp: “I know times have been difficult, especially with the recent pandemic. But why not send your kid somewhere where they can enjoy themselves and feel free? Where they can feel equal, and where they will have peer support for whatever they are going through. The staff are great, and they are always there when you need them.”
Jake’s heartfelt words illuminate the incredible impact of Easter Seals camp has on both our campers and their families. The inclusivity and empowerment he experiences each summer exemplify the values at the core of our mission. We extend our deepest gratitude to each and every one of our generous donors who make these life-changing experiences possible. Your support truly makes a world of difference, and we thank you for being a driving force behind the transformation power of Easter Seals camps.