A Happy Camper
By Lily's Mom
Lily is 13 years old and has Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, ADHD and muscular disorders. School is  not easy for Lily due to learning disorders and the inability to focus that she often has and because of physical issues that include bi-focals and coke bottle thick glasses. Lily sometimes has problems fitting in with other children her age. But at Girl Scouts, and especially the inclusive Girl Scout Camp, that is not the case.
The Girl Scout program partnered with the National Inclusion Project is an awesome fit for a child like Lily. The Girl Scout progression program gives her the opportunity to experience the same types of activities year after year, building on what she has already learned. She can attend multiple day camps in one year that teach the same skills using different activities, giving her the opportunity to master those skills. And because of the way Girl Scouts is set up, she then has the opportunity to teach those skills to girls younger than herself. She gets the chance to be the teacher and have girls look up to her. At resident summer camp, Lily is exposed to counselors from all over the world who bring different stories and world view to her Girl Scout experience. Based on their National Inclusive Project Let's ALL Play training, these counselors adapt the activities so each girl has a positive experience, has a chance to succeed and has a chance to conquer their fears. They openly accept each girl for what she brings to camp, teaching her new skills and helping her grow and be able to teach those girls younger than herself.
Girl Scouts camp is the one place Lily is always accepted, and always has a positive experience, returning home feeling good about herself. I just want to say THANK YOU to the Girl Scouts and the National inclusion Project for creating such a great experience for Lily!
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Sept 19-20
Champions Gala
The Magic of a Smile!
Raleigh, NC
Sept 27
Abilities Network
Breakout Session
Baltimore, MD
Oct 8
Girl Scouts of South Arizona
Let's ALL Play training
Tucson, AZ
Oct 13
City of Arlington
Let's ALL Play training
Arlington, VA
Many times we have room for volunteers and supporters to attend our trainings. Email us if you are interested in joining us for one and keep an eye out for updates to our calendar.
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Calling all Wrapping for Inclusion volunteers!!
Help us think outside the box - Do you know a business that may not allow us to be there multiple weeks, but who may allow a one day or weekend wrapping event? Do you work at an office that would like to host a WFI table in their building for their employees to volunteer and get their own gifts wrapped and delivered to their offices? Maybe a hotel near a shopping district would like to offer WFI in their lobby for their guests? You don't know if you don't ask!
Can't wrap or find a location, but still want to help? Donate rolls of wrapping paper, tape, boxes, and bows. And when those after Christmas sales pop up, consider buying some extra for WFI for 2015!
If you need more information, are interested in volunteering, have connections that could benefit WFI and/or a new volunteer idea please contact our Community Outreach Director Christy Thompson. |
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