Adventure Camp leaves a lasting impact on Variety Kids, boosting their confidence, socialization skills, and even independence. For Variety Kid Jacob, Adventure Camp is a welcoming space where he feels included and accepted. His mom Jessica recently shared powerful feedback about the impact of Variety’s programs:
“Jacob has always had a hard time socializing with peers and adults. He is nonspeaking, so he struggles to connect and communicate with others. He is extremely shy and gets anxious in social situations, but he truly wants to participate. He has always needed some encouragement and reassurance to participate in activities.
Lots of people ignore or give up on Jacob because he will put his hand over his eyes and won’t jump in and participate. Variety Camp has changed that for him.
Since Jacob started attending Variety Camp several years ago, I have noticed a big change in him. He is starting to participate more willingly in activities. He has started to feel comfortable with his counselors, buddies, and peers at school during sports and activities. The camp counselors encourage Jacob in social situations and don’t give up on him, which helps him thrive and create meaningful bonds over the week.
Every year, Jacob is so happy attending Variety Camps and loves having a buddy to help him socialize and participate with his peers. He has tried new activities and enjoys them because of the encouragement from camp counselors.
When you look at pictures of Jacob at Adventure Camp, you can’t tell that he has anxiety and has trouble making friends. He is so comfortable with his counselor, has a huge smile on his face, and you can tell that they have truly connected, and he has made a true friend. That means so much to me as a parent because Jacob has never had many friends.
Variety has been such a wonderful experience that has helped Jacob develop in so many ways. We are thankful for Variety Camp!” – Jessica, Jacob’s Mom
Adventure Camp makes the impossible possible in large part thanks to the incredible counselors who ensure the inclusion, acceptance, and safety of all campers. Variety is hiring for seasonal summer staff now! Become part of Variety’s camp team to create more enriching experiences for kids like Jacob.