She shares her passion to assist people living with disabilities and mental health challenges in the Triangle Business Journal's Executive Voice series.
Two-year-old Davian, who has Down Syndrome, is becoming more independent thanks to the hard work of staff at Dorothy Spainhour Child Development Center. He is feeding himself, following directions and interacting with classmates!
The support of Individual and Community Services staff helps Chris achieve new skills and reach goals. He's hitting one out of the park! Learn more about how Easterseals UCP can help your family.
For the Campers:The American Camp Association and Pilliber Research Associates surveyed campers and parents from 80 camps, including over 5,000 families and found:
96% of campers reported that camp helped them make new friends
92% of campers reported that camp helped them feel good about themselves
74% of campers reported doing things they were afraid to do at camp
70% of parents reported improvement in self-confidence
63% of parents reported that their camper still participates in activities learned at camp
Both reported an increase in sense of independence
In addition to the above benefits, studies for campers with disabilities experienced the following:
Improved attitude toward disability
Decreased anxiety
For Caretakers/Parents:
Ability to rest and rejuvenate
Respite from 24/7 caretaking responsibilities
What do campers do?
Swimming
Horseback Riding
Climbing Wall
Canoeing
Campfires (with smores of course!)
Arts & Crafts
Sports & Games
Nature Activities
Talent Shows
Dances
Many other fabulous camp activities!
Who are the camp staff?
Counselors: Our staff are carefully screened and selected not only from Virginia but throughout the country and world. The majority are college students in a field of study that serves people with disabilities such as nursing, special education, occupational & physical therapy, speech pathology, and others. All staff go through a week-long training where they learn caretaking skills, knowledge of how to serve people with disabilities, safety concerns, how to run programs for people with disabilities, and more.
Nurses: A licensed healthcare professional is onsite at all times through the summer to administer medications and provide medical care as needed.
Camp Easters UCP maintains accredition through the American Camp Association. "ACA Accredition means that your child's camp cares enough to undergo a thorough (up to 300 standards) review of its operation - from staff qualifications and training to emergency management. American Camp Association collaborates with experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the America Red Cross, and other youth-serving agencies to assure that current practices at your child's camp reflect the most up-to-date, research-based standards in camp operation. Camps and ACA form a parternship that promotes growth and fun in an environment committed to safety." - See more at: ACA's website
Where does the magic happen?900 Camp Easter Seals Rd.New Castle, VA 24127camp@eastersealsucp.com(540) 777-7325
