Special Persons Camp

John 9:2-7

And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” Having said these things, he spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva. Then he anointed the man's eyes with the mud ...

This past week I was given the opportunity to counsel a camp for adults with mental and physically disabilities. I cannot say enough about the week at ICBC because of how amazing the experience was. 

My cousin Phillip and I were in charge of 8 male campers with various mental diagnosis. As counselors we were responsible for taking our campers to meals, reminding them to bathe, helping them with activities and spending the night in a cabin with them. I will admit to you that leading up this week I was very nervous because I didn't know the severity of my campers disabilities or the behavior trends of each camper. When the campers arrived on Sunday Phillip and I helped them get settled into their cabins and spent a little time getting to know each one of them personally. During the getting to know you time I instantly learned that these 8 men had so many abilities and not disabilities. 

Each day the campers participated in various activities, crafts and free time. The free time was one of my favorite parts of the day because it was the time that I got to spend with my campers individually. Somedays I spend free time sitting on a swing and talking to a camper while other times I played basketball or tether ball with a camper. 

I can honestly say that this past week has changed my life and I cannot wait for next year. The love that a person with a disability has for another everyone they meet cannot be explained. I could sit down and talk with a camper for five minutes and walk away with them telling me they loved me. The amounts of hugs from every camper was overwhelming. Every morning, while waiting for breakfast, I was greeted with so many positive attitudes and good mornings. These campers woke up every morning instantly in a good mood and ready for the day that awaited them. 

My week at ICBC was unbelievable and life changing. I left ICBC today with aprox. 35 new best friends. The next time you see a person with a disability try to look at that person and see the beautiful abilities that they have and not the disabilities that they may have.