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Saturday, August 4, 2012

Caleb’s Week at Camp Twitch and Shout

Caleb spent a week at Camp Twitch and Shout this past week.  CT&S is a camp for children, ages 7-17, who have Tourette Syndrome.  According to Caleb, it was the best week of his life.  He stayed in a cabin with 9 other boys, and they had 4 counselors and 1 counselor in training (I think). 
I made his week at camp as easy as possible.  Each day had a “theme”, so I packed his clothes for that day in a Ziploc baggy, and I labeled.  He also had a baggy for pajamas, underwear, swim gear, etc.  His toiletries were all bagged together, and his other items (sunscreen, bug spray, flashlight, cameras, etc) were bagged together.  I sent him a letter to read each night before bed, and I labeled them, too.  Yes – I know…I’m VERY anal and a tad bit OCD, and I’m okay with that.  LOL! 
The campers had a busy schedule, and I think this helped to put any “homesickness” at bay.  As soon as we picked Caleb up, he said, “I didn’t cry at all.”  LOL!  I wish I could say the same…I didn’t cry because I was worried about him.  I cried because it was his first time away from us for that length of time without any form of communication.  There would be no phone calls, no hugs at night, etc.  The only thing that helped me make it through the week were the many pictures posted on Facebook and Twitter.  I think I lived at the computer waiting for the next group of pictures to be posted…LOL!  And I’m pretty sure, I wasn’t the only mom acting this way.
Thankfully, Caleb came home with all of his gear (minus a hat), and he even brought home some extra clothes.  LOL!  We’re working on getting those returned to the rightful owners.  He also came home SUPER happy and grown-up.  It’s amazing what a week away from home will do for a child.  As parents, Brian and I learned that we have to trust Caleb and his instincts.  We have raised him to be a well-mannered and responsible young boy.  He proved this at camp…he took charge (he even won a certificate for being the “take charge camper”), and he did what he was asked to do.  He was also very polite and respectful.  So, we need to trust in him to do the right thing…we know he can, we just need to quit holding his hand.
He’s already gearing up for next summer, and he’s itching to get in contact with his cabin buddies.  Luckily, most of us moms have already connected on Facebook, and I’m sure there will be lots of letter writing in our future.  Smile

Caleb’s letters to read each nightIMG_9555
Caleb’s lemonade packets (he doesn’t care for plain water)IMG_9556
Caleb’s backpack, laundry bag, cameras, shower shoes, and toiletries
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Notebook and pencil caseIMG_9559
Swim gear and Spiderman costume for the Superhero Dance
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Hat Day and Tacky Day
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Sports Day and Superhero Day
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Camp t-shirt Day and Pajamas
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Backpack and rolling duffel
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Caleb and Micah as we get ready to hit the road
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Camp Will-a-Way at Camp Twin Lakes
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Caleb on his bunk and brothers before leaving
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Busy schedule for the week625457_415825385135750_1338662070_n
Caleb and some of his cabin mates (this was after we left)
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Caleb and S during tree climbing
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Paddle boat time
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Arts & Crafts – tie dye t-shirts
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Luau on Monday night531364_639864135558_1056732037_n
Dodgeball…Caleb LOVED this
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Waiting for the talent show on Tuesday night
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Caleb and his cabin mates won the “cleanest cabin” award on Wednesday483379_10101515908688680_1641070916_n
Caleb walking during the lunchtime dance
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All of the campers waiting for a special surprise on Wednesday nightAzP2iP2CcAAzu9P
That surprise was a Skype phone call from James Durbin – the former American Idol contestant who also has Tourette Syndrome
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Wacky Olymptics – this was a fun and messy time
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Caleb and his cabin mates tied for cleanest cabin on Thursday319427_3633744241507_343733050_n
Fun at the RC track487821_10101517625368440_486037014_n
Caleb and his cabin mates and counselors at the Superhero Dance255269_415825881802367_226724106_n
Closing Ceremony – James (Jimmy) Wolk, the actor who portrayed Brad Cohen in the movie ‘Front of the Class’, takes a week off from his busy schedule to come and help at camp.  I think this says wonders of his heart and character.  What an inspiration he is for all of these children and teens.IMG_9580
Everyone ties a wish to a balloon
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Wish Balloon ReleaseIMG_9587
Caleb’s “Take Charge” Certificate…this makes a mama’s heart proudIMG_9589
This is only a small snapshot of Caleb’s week.  There will be more pictures from Caleb’s camera and from the DVD that I hope to purchase.  So, you’ll hear and see more soon. 
Counting down until next year…

3 comments:

Jeanette said...

I am so glad Caleb had such a great camp experience! It looks very cool.

Lin said...

Cool. VERY cool! I'm soooo glad he went and had such a great time! And I'm glad you survived!!! ;)

Okay, mom. Next year--no ziploc baggies for his things. He's gonna get teased for that as he gets older. Just pack each outfit together and let him go. If he is mis-matched, then he will be like every other boy in the place. ;)

Hugs!! You made it!

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