After four brain surgeries and years spent in hospital, 14-year-old Mason finally had a chance to see what camp life is all about.
For years, Mason has dreamed of attending an Easter Seals Ontario camp. This summer, he finally got the chance.
At 14 years old, Mason is a social kid with a great sense of humour. “He’s very funny,” says Carlene, Mason’s mom. “He likes to be the clown and crack jokes all of the time.” Beyond his easygoing personality, however, is the remarkable fact that Mason has already undergone four brain surgeries.
“He’s had a pretty rocky couple of years,” says Carlene. “Mason has been very sick and spending a great deal of time in the hospital, often for months at a time.”
While Mason had seen photos and videos of other kids at Easter Seals camp, he hadn’t been well enough to go himself—until this summer.
“I think it’s his drive for independence that motivated him. And he wanted to make other friends that use wheelchairs—that was a big thing.”
“It was a huge step for us,” says Carlene. Mason had never stayed away from home before, but he was determined to attend Easter Seals camp this year. “I think it’s his drive for independence that motivated him. And he wanted to make other friends that use wheelchairs—that was a big thing.”
Thankfully, Mason was not disappointed. Carlene was able to secure him a spot at Camp Woodeden, and Mason spent a whole week connecting with other kids his age. “As parents, you always want your kids to belong. And for Mason, especially now that he is a certain age, it gets harder. But at Easter Seals camp, he truly belonged.”
While Mason tried out a wide range of accessible activities at camp, like the high ropes course and swimming, his favourite part was the camaraderie and friendship. “He loved bunking with his cabinmates, just staying up telling jokes and funny stories … since he had never had a sleepover before, those activities were all new to him.”
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What surprised Carlene most was hearing that Mason joined in every activity at camp. “It is so out of character for him. He is usually the one to sit back and watch, but nope—he tried everything!”
Carlene believes that his openness to joining in stemmed from the inclusion and accessibility that are deeply woven into the fabric of the camp and its programs. “He’s gone to day camps before, but he didn’t feel like he really belonged—they always had to make things work for him,” says Carlene. “But Easter Seals camp is for Mason, it’s created for kids like him.”
“Since returning from camp, his drive for independence has gotten so much greater. Just this morning, he transferred himself out of bed into his wheelchair and was able to get to the bathroom on his own … It’s a big deal; we are very proud.”
With his first summer camp season behind him, Mason is embarking on another big adventure this fall¬—starting high school. “In our area, he is one of the only kids at his school in a wheelchair,” says Carlene. Fortunately, Mason has been able to stay connected with many of his new friends he made at Woodeden this summer. And camp has left him with more than just new relationships. “Since returning from camp, his drive for independence has gotten so much greater. Just this morning, he transferred himself out of bed into his wheelchair and was able to get to the bathroom on his own,” says Carlene. “It’s a big deal; we are very proud.”
It is only through the support of Easter Seals donors that we are able to provide these life-changing camp experiences that foster independence, build confidence, and create a sense of belonging for kids with physical disabilities. Thank you for continuing to make camp dreams a reality for kids like Mason.