“Snapshots” of the Adventures In Community Camp, Outdoor Ministries shared by the Disciples of Christ and the United Church of Christ in Burwell, Nebraska.
Camp chaplain, Rev. Bob Brauninger, admires the rapport between particularly challenging campers and companion camper Jeannette Blaser. “Jeannette is good at sensing the fine line between doing something for someone and knowing when they can do it for themselves.”
“Developmentally challenged persons do not come with a recipe card,” the retired school teacher/superintendent from Columbus says. “We try this and we try that. Each one is special, a person first.”
She mentions a man from her cabin. “Neat as a pin. Everything had to be right. His parents had planned his life. By camp’s end, he was really opening up. When I asked if he was coming back, he said, `Are you going to be here?’ I said, “Next year, try tubing.'”
Bob appreciates the honesty of campers’ feelings about themselves and the rest of the world. Despite all that has happened to them, most feel secure that God is, and that God is watching over them. Some lack verbal capacity to reflect on scripture, others can. All get involved with their own faith through cabin group conversation at devotions and vespers.
He admires the tenacity of campers despite the challenges confronting them, particularly when physical and developmental difficulties are combined. “Some have a hard time walking as well as a hard time figuring out what to do. Their determination often results in accomplishing what they set out to do.”
He prized the perseverance, understanding, and accepting attitude of one camper-very slow to form his thoughts. When he was ready, people listened and respected him. “Through the years as his physical challenges increased, I learned to understand their power. As much as we both wanted him to participate, we had to find a more comfortable participation level. Once, I asked what in his life allows him to just get up and keep going after each time he falls? He said, “God walks with me. I’ll just keep going and be all right.”‘
Judie Luther, Conference/Regional Minister for Outdoor and Youth Ministries, sees AIC challenging campers to walk and do out-of-doors things they normally would not do – tubing, canoeing, time with farm animals. A camper who manages the task of eating feels much better than if someone else assumes that she needs assistance and takes over for her. Another, who cannot speak clearly, is invited to share what is on his mind. He appreciates and grows from that. The camp dance gives some who stumble when walking another chance at self-expression.
Joyful in the love campers have for the camp, each other, and the leadership, Judie also recognizes AIC as a fine alternative camping opportunity for companions who give something of themselves. Campers range in age from 18 to 70 and can manage personal needs. About 75 are returnees. “Their able-bodied, companion campers need not be athletic,” Judie says: “Older high school student aids; university students from developmental classes, and retirees, some in their early 70s, find themselves patient companions who are interested in understanding what this person is all about and what that person’s challenges are.”
For art show entries or questions, contact Dee. Please inform her about artwork, poetry, sculpture, or a reflective paragraph from anyone acquainted with disabilities. Entries will be considered for an Annual Meeting display that will increase awareness and understanding. – db
Reading the Signs columns are Can-do Forums about accessibility for the whole church family shared by the Nebraska Conference for your use.
