Jon
When 9 year-old Jon arrived at camp in July, he was physically aggressive toward counselors and other campers. His actions, his language - even his drawings - were violent. Jon didn't have any friends and he didn't know how to make them, because his behaviour had always alienated him from other kids. His aunt, Maggie, was desperate to help him, and hoped camp would be the answer.
In many ways, Camp Wimodausis is just like any other day camp - the kids play sports and make arts and crafts. They have scavenger hunts and take educational day trips around the city. But at this camp, they also have “Secret Circle,” a time for campers to talk about the hard things and good things about their day, problem-solve issues and address their group and individual goals.
That's what makes Camp Wimodausis different - its focus on SNAP, a problem-solving and self-control strategy that builds social skills and self-esteem. Through a variety of activities, campers learn that negative behaviour is not the only option. They learn and practice how to deal with anger, peer pressure and how to stay out of trouble.
“At camp, we also highlight their strengths and accomplishments,” says Karen Sewell, Director of Camp Wimodausis. “Counselors praise them for doing things well. For many of these children, it's the first time attention isn't focused on their negative behaviour. It can really change the way kids see themselves.”
By the end of the summer session, Jon had shown amazing improvement. He used SNAP everyday to deal with his feelings, and quickly became a positive leader in his camp group, “The Leafs”. He took part - for the first time - in team sports. At the age of nine, he had also, finally, made his first friend. Experiencing this type of success was new to Jon.
Aunt Maggie shared her appreciation and her relief with the camp staff and volunteers, “Thanks for a truly positive experience. We now see Jon singing. He is more helpful and cooperative. He is also much more talkative and pleasant to be around.”
These are huge achievements for a young boy who, only 4 weeks before was hostile and uncooperative with others.
“There is definitely a need for this camp,” says Karen. “Without it, most of these kids wouldn't be involved in any sort of organized summer program. And in the absence of meaningful daytime activities, many would find opportunities to get in trouble.”
For over 20 years, our day camp has been helping kids change their lives for the better. Kids like Jon. Our camp relies entirely on donations from individuals and grants from foundations and corporations. Thank you for making this summer a positive, life-changing time for close to 50 at risk children in our community.