My Friends with Diverse-Abilities

This past week I volunteered at Camp Able which is a week-long celebration of the children of God with diverse-abilities (we use the word diverse-abilities in place of disabilities to change our mindset and showcase more dignity-driven love). The majority of campers had autism and down syndrome and ranged in age from six to twenty-six years in age. We did all of the typical summer camp activities- music, arts and crafts, field trips, outdoor sports- but the most important part of the week was our talent show. We asked every camper to participate in order to exhibit all of the diverse abilities of our friends with diverse-abilities. The talent show was an incredible two-hour show of angelic singers, graceful dancers, champion wrestlers, karate masters, and mind readers, but more than that we had an event that broke down the stereotypes that surround our friends with special needs.

People project stereotypes onto these individuals like they aren’t smart, repsonsible, or capable of being successful in relationships or in their futures. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. We had campers that had graduated from high school. One act at the talent show blew everyone out of the water because Trey could tell you the specific day of the week that any date in history or the future occurred or will occur on. These campers were independent and made sure to let us know our help was not needed. Additionally,  these campers were the biggest flirts I’ve ever seen. We had two that were both dating the same girl and decided to take turns dating her. Another stayed up all night talking to his girlfriend on the phone, and love was in the air for multiple new couples that developed throughout the week.  Not only did these campers break every stereotype that people trap the diversely-abled in, but they taught us counselors countless life lessons. I know personally, the week opened my mind and heart to these incredible people even more than when I started. These individuals live life with such contagious joy that one cannot help but laugh and smile along with them at everything and anything. By the end of camp, I think I had benefited more from the campers then they had benefited from my counseling. If we could all adopt the mindset of love, compassion, and acceptance that these kids with diverse-abilities possess, then the world would be a much better place. I fell in love with each and every kid there and now strive every day to live more like they do.