by Greg Cronin, C.C.D.
Within minutes of leaving shore, laughter and screams rang out as raft
guides and counselors began to splash. Soon, water was flying everywhere.
The impending class-three whitewater down stream seemed unimportant as
the tranquil flat water of the Shenandoah River was now home to a world-class
water fight. Even in the midst of all this commotion, it was clear the
adult campers from Camp Greentop in Sabillasville, Maryland, were having
fun. They smiled, got wet, challenged one another, and if possible, helped
drench their fellow campers. Sounds like a typical whitewater adventure
day doesn’t it?
The truth is nothing was typical about this outing. The cooperative
efforts between Camp Greentop and River and Trail Outfitters from Knoxville,
Maryland, brought special needs adult campers together for what would
typically be an unlikely adventure of white water rafting. What made
this trip so unique was the collective courage and positive attitude
displayed by each camper.
Despite disabilities such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, traumatic
brain injury, mental retardation, and Down’s syndrome, the campers
were unconditionally willing to challenge the limits of their excitement
threshold. For some, that meant being lifted out of their wheelchairs
and into a raft, and for others it was just placing a hand or foot in
the water. But to all, their ability to be simultaneously scared, trusting,
and open-minded was really an impressive display of human spirit.
Because of both organizations’ expertise and knowledge, each understood
the underlying complexities inherent to this activity—so proper
planning was critical. Because each camper has such a unique set of personal
needs, both Greentop and River and Trails Outfitters selected highly
qualified staff who were experts in their respective professions.
Camp Greentop, located Northeast of Washington, D.C., is the summer
camp program for the League of People with Disabilities, Inc. and has
been welcoming campers with disabilities for seventy years. Heading an
amazing camp staff team was Emily Carmichael, program specialist for
the League’s
camping services. She has a degree in therapeutic recreation and has
worked at Greentop for the past five summers. The camp team was not afraid
of the water and could lift campers into the rafts, administer medication,
monitor dietary restrictions, evaluate the existing condition of the
campers, and drive the appropriate vehicles which typically must be wheelchair
accessible. According to Emily, Greentop campers enroll for the trips
they are interested in after they arrive at camp. This way everybody
acquires a full explanation of logistics, time, and cost.
Because of the unique circumstances this group presented, River and
Trail had to make special arrangements as well. This started with the
deliberate selection of the most experienced rafting guides. Because
of the extreme importance of individualized camper care, each boat had
two guides—one
of whom was a certified trip leader or TL. TLs served as lead guides
and were responsible for choosing the route that best accommodated their
camper’s comfort level. For maximum safety, the other guides were
responsible for paddling and helping out should one of the campers need
immediate assistance.
In addition to the two guides, each raft accommodated two campers and
two counselors who sat by or with a camper. Because health conditions
can change quickly during the trip, it was important each counselor be
able to focus on a camper without the added responsibility of listening
for guide commands.
The Excitement Builds
Once the vans arrived, the excitement really started to build. Before
the trip could begin, accessibility needed to be addressed. Put-in and
take-out areas had to be able to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers.
Everyone gathered for a brief safety talk and then raft assignments were
made. Counselors were extremely helpful in expressing what the campers
needed when it came to boat design. Some rafts offer more floor space
while others feature more cross tubes so choosing one which would be
most efficient, in terms of camper comfort, was critical. After being
grouped with their guides, each counselor was given additional safety
instructions by their TL. Because this information can change slightly
based on specific camper needs, a respectful partnership between guides
and counselors emerged as adjustments were made to normal trip procedures.
Next was the selection of life jackets. Life jackets have different
configurations and were chosen based on the special needs of each camper.
This included having some extra jackets for campers to sit on should
that be the best option. Extra time was taken here to ensure the maximum
comfort of each camper. Helmets were also required, and each one was
carefully adjusted with the help of counselors.
The Magic Begins
After everyone was properly outfitted and last-minute checks for sun
block and medications were completed, the magic began. While a rafting
trip always provides some lasting memories for most customers, this experience
provided a special group of people an irreplaceable opportunity for personal
growth and adventure. As the rapids intensified so did the courage of
the campers. The most noticeable example of this was on the river’s
famed “staircase” rapid when campers were heard saying, “is
this all you got?” which was in stark contrast to the apprehension
exhibited when they first arrived.
Part of Something Special
What made this experience so rewarding was the unconditional gratitude
of these young adults. For some, it was their first time participating
in an adventure-based experience. Others enjoyed being out in the sun
just watching other campers in a totally different environment, but universal
to everyone was the joy of feeling a part of something unique. They were
performing an activity that many would think was too dangerous or impossible.
Frequently throughout the trip, campers spoke or indicated how amazing
they felt. In between water fights or rapids, it was a joy to see them
actively plot sneak attacks against their fellow campers, and sometimes
they even splashed people in their own boat.
Judging by the smiles on their faces, it was clear the campers knew
they were a part of something special. During the trip, their confidence
rose as they became more comfortable with their surroundings. Fears and
concerns quickly dissipated into bold statements about whose boat was
better or how great they were. For a brief moment in time, it almost
seemed like each camper forgot his or her daily concerns and just had
fun.
We all learned from this experience, and its significance was not just
reserved for campers and counselors. The guides felt fortunate to be
chosen for this trip because they knew it was a privilege to paddle with
these exceptional individuals. It was an honor to participate in such
a gratifying experience since these amazing campers will never have an
opportunity to paddle unassisted. It is truly a humbling experience to
have them teach us so much about what is important in life.
The lesson here challenges camp professionals to look beyond the barriers
of what people cannot do and challenge conventional wisdom to achieve
personal growth through healthy perceived risk. When assessing the boundaries
of program options, do not solely let logistical complexities dictate
program content. Focus on opportunities which support your camp’s
mission by starting with intentionally designed outcome-based objectives.
Once people empower themselves with a sense of accomplishment, they will
share in the appreciation for what can be done when traditional limits
are tested.
The League at Camp Greentop is a traditional summer camp for youth and
adults with disabilities in Thurmont, Maryland. For more information
about Camp Greentop, please visit them at www.leagueforpeople.org. For
more information about River and Trail Outfitters, please contact them
at www.Rivertrail.com.
Originally published in the 2007 July/August
issue of Camping Magazine. |
