First, I think camp has had a great many benefits for Hunter simply by offering him an outlet to release some energy. He loves running around and exercising so much, and our fun fitness activities give him an opportunity to excel at something and work off some steam physically. For Hunter, having mentors around that hear out his side of the story and offer him encouragement and attention is a big thing, as I don't think he gets much of this over Jacob at home. He loves the spotlight, and being at camp gives him a chance to hold a little bit of it, which is always good for self-esteem. I think having people to talk out his anger outbursts with is also beneficial because he knows his episodes aren't the right way to handle it, but he isn't verbally or physically punished for these, rather we sit him down, let him cool off, and talk to him, which is important for someone like him, who wants to make self-improvements.
The major benefit that camp has for Seb is that he gets to spend time around younger kids that he can have some more influence over as compared to his regular school day, where he is the smallest student and is probably picked on a lot. He can take a sort of leadership role and gain some self-confidence around a group that is much less likely to make fun of him than the people in his grade. He, too, gets a chance to exercise and work off some pent-up energy, and he gets an opportunity to play some acting/performing arts games, which he seems to enjoy and has a knack for.
I think many of these benefits overlap to other campers, and I think the most important benefit overall is just the fact that these students, who may be seen in a certain light at school, get to come together and form their own, much smaller, social circle for a couple of months that seems to be a bit more forgiving (though not all the time, as the mentors have seen). I think this social interaction is crucial for all of the kids, and I think it has quite an impact of the kids.
1 comment:
Drew,
You got the assignment just right. I think I was initially surprised to see how much the boys are benefitting. I was concerned especially with Seb, that maybe he wasn't getting much from being here. After reading your thoughts, clearly both boys are having very important experiences that they certainly would not otherwise have. I really think Hunter needs the not only the outlet, but the positive messages and modeling you provide. In some ways I think your cool, calm demeanor match his volatile, agitated and loud expressions. Your ability to give him that safe space in which to vent and express his wide range of emotions from exuberance to rage meets some very important needs. Your ability to allow that as though it is just something Hunter needs to do encourages him to begin to accept some of who he is and move on from the high intensity emotions to a more even keel. It's amazing stuff and important to know that you are making a difference here.
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