Cerebal Palsy Day!

^   Today is Cerebral Palsy Day. I worked for 4 Summers at an overnight camp for the mentally and physically disabled in New York. When it was first opened back in 1962 it was not only one of the first disabled Summer camps in the United States, but in the world. At first it was only a day-camp run for those with cerebral palsy. In 1965, it changed its name became an overnight camp and was opened to everyone with any disability. 

Working at the camp for those 4 Summers was very hard, but also fun. Each counselor was assigned two campers (sometimes both were in wheelchairs and you couldn’t leave anyone alone at any time - in the bathhouse, in the swimming pool, in the dining hall, on the nature trail, etc. – and so you were literally being pulled in two different directions and just had to deal with it.) Every other day you had to stay in the campers’ cabin and take care of them the whole night and then continue through the next day of activities with just a 2 hour break. You also had to feed the majority of the campers yourself and not only find time to also feed yourself, but find food to eat (it was always in short supply.)To make things more interesting the majority of campers came from institutions in New York City and would arrive for a week of camp with only the clothes they were wearing. It was then up to the counselor to find extra clothes and supplies (since most had to be changed every 2 hours.) On top of all the scrounging, late nights, and constant toileting needs you also had to join in all the activities (Arts and Crafts, Music and Drama, Sports, Swimming, nature walks, evening entertainers, dances, campfires, singing, etc.) so that  the campers weren’t just fed and clean, but also had a good and fun time. It was their Summer vacation after all. 

It is important to recognize what a person with a disability (like cerebral palsy) has to deal with every day. It is also important to recognize those people who take care of them (even if only for a Summer.)  ^