In 1974, I went to my first two-week overnight camp, Camp Massapoag. I was 10 years old. It was not my choice to go, and I did everything I could to try and talk my parents out of sending me. I was relentless.

 

This experience happened 41 years ago, and I can still remember it like it was yesterday. I remember the smell, the sounds. Every olfactory sense from this camp is still alive within me. I didn't want to go because I didn't know what to expect; in fact, I had never been away from home before, and I was going to be away with people I did not know - for two weeks! Unfortunately, I did not have a vote in this decision. I resisted, but once I accepted it, everything changed. Camp turned from a fear into a gift. Above is a picture of my first year at camp in 1974 and my first cabin. I am in the middle with the red shirt and shorts. 

           

My parents knew this experience would be beneficial to me. The purpose for sending me to camp then was the same as the mission we have today for all of our students attending LABBB - to promote independence. This camp was a vehicle for me to gain this independence.

 

For all of our students who attend LABBB, our mission is to promote academic, social, and career independence. Our goal is to create opportunities for them during their time at LABBB. Along with these opportunities comes some risk that we may resist. We want to keep our students safe, but at the same time, we need to make sure we build in goals and objectives that align with our mission. The gift we want to give is independence. We need to take advantage of this mission now. Being part of the LABBB community, you have the support of a team. You have a team that wants the very best for your child. And together, you will begin a journey that will have ups and downs, fears, and mistakes. However, we all need to keep the same question in mind, "How are we helping this student be more independent?"

 

My sister, who will be 39 years old next month, has Down syndrome. She went to an overnight camp every year, starting at a very young age. As an adult, when she moved into her group home, the transition was fairly easy for her. This is not always the case for young adults who leave home and move into an independent living arrangement for the first time. I can still remember the day my sister spent her first night at her group home. As one would expect, my parents were incredibly nervous and worried. One of the parents of another young adult who lived in house called my mother to give her an update on Michelle. She said to my mother, "Right now, Michelle is in the living room, lying out on the couch with a bowl of popcorn on her lap watching a movie. I think she is going to be just fine." Did going away to camp every summer help my sister prepare for this day? I have to think it had a significant benefit. She didn't seem to have any fear.

*As an update to this edition. My sister started going back to this camp last year at age 40 as many of her friends are still going. She had a great time and she is signed up again for this year. 

 

Most parents have the same fear. They can't imagine the day their son or daughter will be living on their own. For our students, to live on their own is the best gift for each and every one of them, and we want to help prepare them for that day. I have heard, many times, from parents who spoke about their child living independently. They'd report that their child stated that once they became settled in their new home they would visit. But as it turns out, they usually can't wait to get back to their group home. This is their life now . . . their independent life.

 

Last summer, after 40 years, I visited Camp Massapoag. The camp is only a day camp now, but what amazed me is that everything is exactly the same. The cabins look like they did in 1974. The camp ground was exactly the same, too. It was easy to navigate, and I could easily find the cabins I lived in. I certainly built some vivid memories.

 

I often think of this experience. I am fortunate my parents didn't listen to me; otherwise, I would not have been able to reflect on this summer, which we then encouraged our daughter to experience.  

 

My daughter also started going away to camp at age nine, but the only difference was that she wanted to go on her own volition. She was much braver than I! I didn't know how my wife and I were going to deal with this, but she was adamant about going, so we found a YMCA camp in Connecticut that was about 2.5 hours away. I couldn't imagine how my parents felt when they dropped me off, but I had to face my own fears as a parent. It would have been easy to say "no" at the time, but this camp has been one of the best life experiences we have given her. 

 

I want to welcome all the students and their families who will be joining the LABBB community in July. We talk about community quite a bit because being part of LABBB is not just about being connected to your respective school, it is about connecting with the entire LABBB community.

 

Many of our students started in a LABBB elementary school, transitioned to a LABBB middle school, and finally graduated from LABBB. This journey, and being part of this community, has many benefits. You will connect with parents from more than 70 districts, and you will learn about resources for your children and enjoy the benefits of being a part of this larger community.

 

Enjoy your summer and build memories. We are honored to have you as part of our community. 

 

Patric