Nine-year-old Kaydance had the chance to attend summer camp for the first time last year and she describes her experience enthusiastically as “Awesome!”
Her mother, April, remembers, “I was a little nervous about her being away from home for so long, but it really helped her confidence.”
For five days, Kaydance had the chance to try new activities. She learned to sail, made pottery gifts for her mom and dad, tried out archery, and met many new friends – and gained the confidence to be more independent and try new things. Kaydance says, “I was blown away. I got to try all these things – and eat S’mores at the campfire as well!”
Diagnosed at just eighteen months old with cerebral palsy, Kaydance needs a wheelchair to move around. Easter Seals camp gave her an opportunity to try things she never thought she’d be able to do.
“We went sailing on our own!” Kaydance exclaims. “To feel the cold air on your face was amazing. And when we got stuck, people would pull us with a rope.”
April remembers noticing a change in Kaydance after returning home from camp, “After being away from mom and dad for five days, we noticed that she had really matured a lot while she was there.”
Taking care of a child with a physical disability is a lot of hard work for parents, so having Kaydance attend camp also gave April and her husband a much-needed break. Easter Seals camp gives parents like April time to recharge and rest knowing their child is having a great time while being looked after by specially trained staff.
You can help more kids like Kaydance have an awesome experience at Easter Seals camp by making a donation to the Send a Kid to Camp Campaign today.