Ontario Camp Teaches Independence

http://www.thestar.com/freshairfund/article/823385--camp-helps-kids-discover-their-abilities


Camp helps kids discover their abilities

Growing pains.


They’re hard on many kids. They can be harder on those with disabilities.

Last year was among the toughest for Paul Manieri. A growth spurt twisted his feet and legs. It took a round of surgeries followed by three months in a rehabilitation hospital for the teen to get back on his feet. It’s likely the 17-year-old, who was born with cerebral palsy, will face more operations in the coming months — but not before he goes to camp.

A seasoned camp veteran, he’s spent many blissful days in the great outdoors. It wouldn’t be summer without it.

The Ontario March of Dimes Conductive Camp was a new adventure last year.

“It was very nice and a great experience,” said Manieri. “I learned a lot of things.”

Like any kid who’s gone through this summer rite of passage, he’s gained some invaluable skills — stuff you can’t learn in books, such as when the s’mores are done to perfection, how loud he can sing camp songs without losing his voice, and how easy it is to make friends.

“I learned a lot about myself,” said the easygoing student at Michael Power High School in Etobicoke, who’s raring to go back. Each camp experience has reinforced what he already knew: “I learned that you can do anything you put your mind to and I learned not to let your disability hold you back,” he said.

As if anything could stop this active teen and avid sports fan from doing what he loves, including playing a mean game of sledge hockey. At camp, it’s no-holds-barred for Manieri, who can’t wait to get back into a canoe and paddle out onto the lake.

“I’m going back to camp this year and am looking forward to having a good time and being with my friends,” he said.

The Ontario March of Dimes camp, at the YMCA’s Geneva Park in Orillia, is the highlight of a three-week in-class conductive education program held in Toronto. It focuses on kids 15 to 19 and teaches them to be more independent while working on mobility skills.

“They apply what they learn in class at camp while having a lot of fun,” said Mhairi Watson, senior conductor.

Just as important, they discover the only barriers are those they put on themselves. And though help is always close by, most kids would rather do it themselves at camp. That’s what happens when you start to grow up.

“That’s fabulous to see,” said Watson, noting that even small steps, such as taking their dirty dishes back to the kitchen for washing, are a move in the right direction.

“For many kids at camp, it’s their first time away from home,” she said. In some cases, parents are very protective. “Even though children can do a lot for themselves, some aren’t given the opportunity.”

And there’s no better place than camp to push boundaries. It’s where kids can just be themselves, said Paul’s mom, Anna Maria Manieri. “It’s absolutely wonderful.”