And, did I mention CAMPING? The troop had decided on their activities--which included creek wading, hiking, tree climbing--not to mention all the other issues related to being outside (uneven terrain, carrying, heat, fatigue, long distances between handholds, etc). I am also NOT A FAN of camping. My husband is--so off he and E went.
Elena made sure to pack her bag herself (it's the Daisy Way). She was encouraged to carry her own backpack (which was heavy; she did, but Jason was definitely holding some of it up for her, as she was crouching pretty badly under the weight by the time they made it to the campsite). The campsite was relatively flat, but there is a big difference between flooring and grass/gravel/mulch/etc. Elena wore her sneakers (without braces) a lot of the time b/c it was simply SO HOT, her feet were soaking wet and Jason was worried about blistering her feet in her AFOs. Both Jason and I were worried Elena would "wilt" in a short amount of time in the heat. All the Daisies were expected to be friendly, helpful (everyone had a job) and supportive. Erin is an amazing troop leader, so I was hopeful things would go well...but, there were a lot of new obstacles and challenges for Elena.
E's first camping trip. Jason warned me he was NOT taking his phone. So I got zero updates. I didn't necessarily *worry*, but I did want a little information while they were gone...but I had to wait until they got home the following afternoon.
E's first words to me:
"Mom, YOU MISSED OUT!"
E and Daddy looking for firewood
Cleaning up the fire circle
Wading in the creek (wearing water shoes)
Knotting the Dishline
Dinner
Washing Dishes (they had an assembly line)
Walking Across the campground (sneakers, no braces, no crutches, no help)
Setting the breakfast table
Hiking (definitely braces and crutches; she went about 1/4 mile "the way out"; Jason gave her a ride back)
Sample walking distance--from the latrine (blue rectangle in the background) to where E is sitting--no help, sometimes no braces/crutches
3 comments:
Every post inspires me - but this post just knocked me out! Elena (and Dad!) did an AMAZING job! It looks like she had a blast and throughly immersed herself in the Daisy Camping Experience! Go Elena!!!
Jenna
(Momma to Zander - 2yob with spastic cp)
I AGREE WITH THAT.. I KNOW WHAT ITS LIKE TO TRY AND WALK ON UNEVEN GROUND WITHOUT CRUTCHES AND BRACES ITS TOUGH! I HAVE A DIFFICIULT TIME ALSO..!!LOOKS LIKE SHE HAS A LOT OF FUN!
AMY YOU MENTIONED THAT ELENA DOES NOT LIKE WEARING HER BRACES IN THE HEAT! I HEAR YA.. HAVE YOU TRIED THE FOLLOWING: WEARING A SHOTER LIGHT WEIGHT SOCK(UP PAST THE ANKLES) AND SOMETHING CALLED AN AFO SOCK.. (WHICH I WILL BE TRYING) ITS A SOCK THAT GOES ON THE AFO AND VELCROS TO ITSSELF TO STAY UP AND THEN YOU CAN GO BAREFOOT IN THE AFO!! LET ME KNOW
MELISSA
What a wonderful experience. I am very impressed with Elena and very impressed with Dad. WOW!~ Believe you me, I don't know many dads up for that. I have been thinking about Brownies or Daisies for Emma, but I am not sure if they would accept her. She couldn't do much like Elena and those girls, so that might be a no-go. I was hoping she could do more of the arts and crafts stuff and get to be around girls her age who are typical for a change.
It's wonderful that they start things like this with girl so young--great experience. Go Elena!
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