So both of the 12 day sessions are now over. The developmentally and intellectually disabled session was so much fun. Although more work emotionally trying to communicate with them they all had their funny traits. Some particularly entertaining ones were a woman called Edith who thought it was her birthday all the time. The only words she would say is her name, "birthday, me?" "Happy birthday" and refer to everyone, male or female as man. Another woman called Kathy loved her food so much we caught her eating mustard packets one day. A conversation with a woman with Down's syndrome called Sally often went "I'm blind" "No you're not Sally" "Not yet!" It was a long session, being 12 days but a lot of fun.
We had a 2 and a half day break after the first session which we spent just relaxing. We went out for drinks on the Thursday night after finishing and got very drunk though I think it was well deserved!!
Our next session that finished yesterday was extremely testing of us all. It was physically disabled session. Pretty much all the campers which we had close to 40 of were in either a motorised or manual wheelchair and so required lifting in some way. Many also needed help being changed, showered, brushing teeth making us full time carers as well as trying to make camp as fun as possible for them. Our days were long, often starting at 7.15 and not finishing until at least 10 but the nice thing about this session is that you can actually have some form of conversation with them (not always good for some as they some were very demanding!!). Whilst I enjoyed getting to know the campers it is safe to say this was my least favourite session.
Camp food is slowing starting to go downhill. It gets a bit repetitive having tacos on a Tuesday, a cookout on a Wednesday and the other dishes seem to rotate and repeat!
I'm now visiting my cousin and his family in New Jersey (I'm very grateful for Carly for driving 3 hours to pick me up!). I've been spoilt with good food, treats to take back to camp with me and it's so nice to spend time with Isla who is their very cute daughter!
Camp starts again on Sunday and our next session is physically disabled overspill and kids with autism which will be much easier. Although they will have a lot more energy to kill our muscles can have break from lifting as much!