For 12-year-old Aurea, last summer marked a milestone.
Living as an autistic pre-teen, new environments and unfamiliar experiences can often bring uncertainty. This was Aurea’s very first summer attending Variety Adventure Camp. For her family, saying “yes” to camp wasn’t something they took lightly.
“First of all, this was one of the first camps that we felt completely comfortable sending Aurea to,” shared Aurea’s mom, Lauren. “In the past, we have usually been concerned with the care or guidance that Aurea might receive. Common questions were, ‘Will they be able to support Aurea or will we need to come pick her up early?’ or ‘Is she going to enjoy the day or become dysregulated?’ During Adventure Camp, we didn’t need to worry; she loved every day and the volunteers and other workers were amazing!”
That sense of trust, of finally being able to exhale, made all the difference.
One moment in particular really stood out to Lauren.
“Aurea loved this experience. One specific example is visiting the aquatic center. She had never gone on a big slide at a water park, usually experiencing significant anxiety. During the camp, her counselor helped her try the slide, and she loved it. She felt so proud of herself! Well, after camp, we took a family trip to a large water park and she loved trying some of the big slides and didn’t exhibit the same anxiety!”
What started as a single brave moment at camp became something bigger; a lasting shift in confidence that followed her beyond Adventure Camp and into everyday life.
That’s the power of the right support system. With trained staff, compassionate volunteers, and an inclusive environment designed specifically for children with disabilities, Variety Adventure Camp creates space for kids to try something new and discover they can do more than they imagined.
Plus this experience wasn’t just Aurea’s.
Camp also gave her mom something many parents of children with disabilities rarely receive: peace of mind. Knowing that Aurea was safe, supported, and having fun made Lauren feel confident that Aurea was exactly where she needed to be.
“Also, this experience allowed me to spend time with my other two children while Aurea could enjoy her activities. We are so happy with her experience and hope to continue her participation in the future.”
At its core, this is what Adventure Camp is designed to do: build trust with families and empower kids to thrive in spaces created with them in mind. When a child feels capable and supported, confidence grows and that confidence carries over into new environments, new challenges, and everyday life.
Join us today in building the confidence of kids like Aurea, and ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive.
