5th Grade Field Trip

Hooray for the first field trip of the year! Elena's school went to a nearby camp for a challenge course day. Her team and I tried to plan the best we could--but the camp would not give us specific information as to the day's schedule and terrain. Parents were asked specifically not to come as chaperones. Two days before the trip, I called the camp and tried to get my questions answered--they were not concerned about Elena's mobility. I have been to that camp. Their idea of accessibility is great, if you can walk. The terrain is steep everywhere, nothing is paved, and the "ramps" are either mulch, gravel, or woods, with scattered steps. The staff seemed to think I was worried about Elena handling the challenge elements; I was concerned about traveling to and in-between them--they are between 300 and 600 feet apart, through hills and woods. They assured me if Elena got tired or complained of pain they could put her in a wheelbarrow. I was not pleased. I told them to expect me at the field trip, which they were happy to oblige. E's teacher was happy I'd be there. I packed everything I could think of--wheelchair (although I figured we wouldn't be able to use it), foldable step stool for her to take sitting breaks, water, her adventure vest (in case she wanted to carry small things), and thought I'd offer piggyback rides if she preferred that over the wheelbarrow if she got tired (wasn't sure how that would go, given my bad knee, but I'd manage).

Thursday morning I went to leave to meet them at the camp...and couldn't find my keys. Couldn't find them--looked everywhere...and figured, well, I'll just have to get to the camp when I can. After a very long, emotional hour, I did find them. I finally arrived to meet up with E at the second station. The terrain is no joke--completely wheelchair inaccessible, and very challenging for a knee reconstruction patient.

Elena was fine. I put her neoprene pads on her crutch handles--helps cushion her palms, but they are too hot for everyday use. She liked that, but didn't want the stool or any other assistance. She was relieved I was there (she was expecting me), but was happy to tell me she did not need my help.

She didn't need me all day. I mean, I gave her a sip of water every now and then. But mostly I was available, but invisible and unnecessary--the best kind of field trip chaperone, right???

The students had lots of problem solving as a group for their challenges. They had to think things through as a team, and it was really awesome to see them succeed. All the challenges had a physical element, and Elena was not involved in carrying anything--but she seemed content to be a part of the team and had her ideas heard, she was not afraid of speaking up. She never fell, and even though she lagged behind walking between elements, I did not get the impression that she was left out.

Unfortunately the challenge elements weren't mapped out around the camp to minimize walking. This would have been really helpful for everyone, especially Elena. She was tired, and her group ate lunch last. Her group was also last on the biggest challenge, the climbing structure.

She went last in her group--which was fine, she got a nice sitting rest and ate a good lunch. I taped her hands (we learned she gets blisters very easily during her climbing study this summer, so I made sure to bring some) and made sure her harness and helmet fit (she's the smallest student). The climbing structure itself was too large for her--I knew she would need extra assistance on belay since she could not reach some of the climbing obstacles. The counselors told each group if they wanted to do the zipline (!) they would have to get to the top.

Climbing, determined and brave

ZIP!

There is a "catch rope" you have to drop near the end of the zip line. If you forget to drop it, the zipper would hit the rubber stop on the line (perfectly safe, but not as comfortable) and then each student was helped down by a ladder. I was worried that E would forget to drop the rope (she didn't), but just took a deep breath and decided she was more like her classmates than unlike them, and waited.

Look at that smile!

She walked back, the last zip liner, a triumphant look on her face! I was stunned she made it the whole day (I even left early). She really didn't need me (last year this would have NOT been successful). She did not complain of knee pain after school, despite being absolutely exhausted.

Wins all around!

Pre-Summer Recap, Part II

Renaissance Faire

The kids have been enjoying the movie "A Knight's Tale", so I decided to see if there were any festivals around--and we found one, less than an hour's drive! The reviews stated it was a family friendly event with affordable admission. I emailed the festival director and asked about the terrain for Elena and myself; they said it was in a large field, on a hill (they weren't kidding) but they gave us directions and offered a golf cart ride back to the car if we needed it (we didn't).

Welcome Lords and Ladies!

We had such a great time! The girls saw jousting (with a lady knight, very empowering!), jugglers, entertainers, singers, beautiful crafts, a blacksmith, knife/axe throwers, archers, and lots and lots of people in costumes.

Cheering on Lady Anne at the Queen's Joust

One of the reviews I read mentioned how the costumed individuals are very welcoming to children--were they right! The girls were repeatedly bowed to, addressed as "my lady", and asked questions like "are you a princess?" and things like that. They were tickled.

Talking to a Lady before Court

To my surprise, both kids loved the Queen's Court. There were seats in the shade (the day was HOT! I can't imagine how hot the people were in mail and armor) and they had front-row seats to watch people bring gifts, read poetry, make jokes and otherwise entertain the Queen.

Girls being offered a front-row seat at Court

 The girls also were knighted by the Queen! They were cheered by the Court (Huzzah!) and received a certificate. Both girls brought their certificate to school for show-and-share.

Lady Vivian leaving Her Grace's Court

The Knighting of Lady Vivian

We had an awesome time. The Ladies were tired after our day at the Faire. If you are around Lake Anna Winery, you should definitely cheek it out!

Bonus Moi

Quest Fest

 There is an end-of-the-year showcase at school where students' prominent works are on display. I had both Elena and Vivian take me on a tour of the school and show me their work. My favorites are shown below.

E with her word portrait and sock puppet

Homemade Circuit Board Quiz!

Vivian with her "Seasons"

 One thing that continually amazes me is the variety of work Elena does in the fourth grade, and how well integrated she is with her classmates. School helps put her on peer level better than anything else right now. It's wonderful to see.


Climbing Study

Elena was asked to take part in a climbing study. The objective is to see if rock climbing can be used as an effective PT tool. Elena is monitored via motion-capture technology on her first and last sessions; in-between, she climbs and hopefully improves her motion. We can come as often as we like. Right now, it's once a week.

E getting set up by Mr. John and Mr. Eric

Elena has been climbing before, and typically is willing to try anything--even if it's scary. She doesn't seem to be afraid, even after losing her footing--she trusts Mr. Eric on belay.

Mr. John giving instruction

E taking instruction

 First they had Elena climb as she pleased, while they got the idea of her comfort level and movement abilities. The second time, John gave her instructions of where to place her feet and hands, trying to stretch her range or use right vs. left extremities. In general, Elena leads with her left leg. Her hands are not particularly strong, and she relies on her left leg for strength and stability (no surprises here). Important to note, this is the first time she has ever used a half-harness (waist only); every other rock climbing experience (three, I think) she has been in a full-body harness (I wasn't sure if she could right herself if she lost her footing--now I know she can).

We've been a few times--Elena enjoys it much more without the time taken to attach all the motion sensors. I can see definitely improvement in hand strength, using her right side, and her weight distribution on the decent (trying to get her feet flat on the wall, while leaning back in an attempt to repel down the climbing face). Vivian is allowed to try too, although she is more of a one-and-done climber.

I'm looking forward to the report at the end of the summer!

Family Camp at Camp Holiday Trails

I've written before about Camp Holiday Trails, the local camp for children with special health needs. We've had a blast attending Family Day in the past, which is a single-day event.

This year, we decided to do Family camp!  Since we just had a beach vacation, Jason and I didn't have lots of time off work...Annette came with us, and I left during lunch and rest time and Jason visited when he could.  We got around the camp by golf cart or E used her crutches.

There were several other families (six?), all with children with different needs.  Again, Elena was the only one with an obvious motor impairment (although, not the only one with CP).  I am constantly amazed at the staff--the counselors are always ready to help, always ready to involve Elena, and everyone has a fantastic time!  Even in the summer heat, or the sudden rainstorms, or with challenging events--nothing seems to intimidate this camp.  They are incredible.

Challenge course!  Elena decided to try the rock wall on her own this year.  In years past, she's had someone right with her during the climb.  She was the only kid in a full-body harness (with the exception of Vivian and her friend A, both of them 3 yrs old).

E on the way to the top

She did it!

Vivian is ready!

Vivian made it a short way--her feet slipped, and she didn't like being suspended by her harness.  She was DONE.

After that, the kids made up their own carnival games. They used cardboard, paint, cups, ramps, dress-up clothes--anything they could find.  At Elena's suggestion, we made "Pirate Golf", where you try to putt a ball into a pirate ship.  At the end of the day, there was a great carnival celebration!   The kids got tickets for playing in each other's games, and they could redeem these tickets for cool prizes.  Everyone LOVED it!

Stephen came to the carnival!  WE LOVE STEPHEN!

Viv playing Pirate Golf

We also got to tie-dye shirts for our family.  The girls enjoyed picking their own colors, and we got to wear them home on our last day at camp.

We had a waterfront adventure--both girls liked riding in a canoe!

E's ride

"Fearless" Vivian at the front of the boat

 We went fishing!  The girls weren't patient enough to catch one, but I did!

Catch of the day

We also used the paddleboat.  E was disappointed that she couldn't reach the pedals...she was looking forward to helping me power the boat.

one more ride

Every day there was also a free swim time in the pool.  Both girls swam every day.  Vivian preferred her swim vest (she was the only one to use one, besides E) and Elena ended up ditching hers after the first day.  The shallow end of the pool was only 2 feet deep, so E could touch the bottom.  That didn't mean she was safe--if she slipped, she didn't always remember to put her feet down or try to swim up to the surfact, so I had to be right next to her and extremely attentive.  She made a HUGE amount of progress in those three days--from needing a Mommy rescue every 5 minutes or so to only needing one or two every half hour.  She also did a great job swimming for a few feet (her version of doggie paddle)  while wearing goggles, and enjoyed doing this back and forth across the shallow end without drinking too much of the pool water.  (I need to get the kids swim lessons, but I haven't been able to fit it in yet this summer.)

Both girls got to try archery!  Here is Dustin helping Elena.  I assumed I'd be holding her waist, but instead they grabbed a chair for her--it was a great idea.  Elena had a hard time pulling the bowstring all the way back (lots of kids did), but she was able to hold the loaded bow and release the arrow, hitting the target!

Archer Elena

Vivian needed more help, but still she loved the experience.  She was SO proud of herself!

Archer Vivian

We all sang silly songs, and enjoyed a last campfire.  We sang silly songs, and made a "wish boat" where we had to whisper a wish into the boat.  The boat had a candle, and we lit it and set it free.  We had lots of wishes...Elena wished she could be in the olympics, Viv wishes she can swim fast and that she is Spider-Man, Elena wanted to swim without a vest, and all of us made a wish to come back next year.

Campfire Cutie

S'mores with Katie

Huge thanks to Katie, our family counselor, and to the rest of the CHT staff.  Katie helped take care of E and Viv, especially when I had to be at work, or in the pool, sometimes even at bedtime.  And thanks to Annette, who joined our family for camp days, even though the summer heat isn't her favorite thing!

E, Viv, and Katie

THANK YOU CHT!  WE HAD SO MUCH FUN!  WE'LL SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!

Camp Holiday Trails Family Day 2011

It's that time of year! We were excited to return to Camp Holiday Trails for (Special Needs) Family Day. CHT is a camp for kids--all kids, especially those with special health needs (and their families). The staff is WONDERFUL, inclusive, encouraging, energetic--it's a great environment. I love the fact that they are never phased by E's motor challenges, and they are always prepared to include her in every activity.

We came last year, but Vivian was too young to enjoy certain activities. This year, she did almost everything Elena did. As usual, E was not jealous, and cheered for her sister. I want Vivian to excel in what she does best, even if it means she does it better than her older sister--such as running, or playing tag, or hitting a baseball. It's tricky to encourage the actions of one child, when those actions accentuate the disability of another child. It's a learning process for all of us.

At camp, this isn't really an issue--everyone cheers for everyone, and it's fantastic. Nothing is competitive. Elena even had some friends there, including one from school, who rides her bus! (ADD PIC POST-PERMISSION)

After introduction and breakfast snack, our first destination was the rock wall. Our favorite counselor Stephen was there! E remembered him from last year the minute I asked her if she wanted to go to CHT Day.

Viv getting ready


Now, she's not so sure. She ended up going up 1/3 of the way, and then telling me she was done.


On belay? Belay ON! On rock? ROCK ON!



Elena trusts Stephen




Proud Climber


After climbing, we played lawn games. The grass isn't even, so that's a challenge--but E did great, and never fell! We played Train Wreck and a few other games. Viv wasn't too interested, so I had to keep her occupied for a lot of the lawn time. E was in very capable hands, and had great fun.

Painting Pumpkins after snack


After lunch, Viv went home for a nap (she was d-o-n-e!) and E and I went down to the fish pond. E's never been on a canoe. She was only a little nervous--mainly b/c she didn't like the fit of the life jacket. Don't we all remember how awful that felt around your neck when we were little?

Before our Canoe fishing excursion


The fish weren't biting.


After that, we went to the art studio for a little while, and then we said our goodbyes. The staff asked me about sending E to camp next summer. Jason and I have been wanting to send E to camp--we even paid for a spot at a different camp (2 years ago), only to arrive to see unmanageable terrain (and no refunds). If I had known about CHT then, I wouldn't have hesitated. We'll be back for sure!

Camp Holiday Trails

Today we went to Special Needs Family Day Camp at Camp Holiday Trails. I wasn't sure what to expect...we had looked into other camps around the area over the summer, but the terrain seemed IMPOSSIBLE. I spoke to the guy in charge, and he made sure I knew that this camp would work with Elena. Camp Holiday Trails is a camp for people with special health needs--not just special needs kids. So they know.

Elena was the only kid there with a motor impairment. Well, let me rephrase...one other kid had mild CP, but he could walk and run. All the other children had some sort of behavioral issue (siblings, of which there were a few, not included). I have a hard time believing the ratio I saw today: physical disability (only):behavioral disability was 1:15 or so. The camp invites all special needs kids out for today, and most of the kids were on the autism spectrum. I have a feeling that the autism community is a tighter knit group, so that when there is an event, more of them come? I don't know. I kept thinking, "where are my crutch kids?" or wheelchair-ers...then again, when parents of kids who have gross motor difficulties hear "campground/woods/hills/hiking", they're probably thinking "NO WAY". I wish this wasn't the case.

Anyway, all the kids were pretty good. In the morning, WHEW that room was LOUD! Then the counselors rounded up the kids for art in the downstairs room--so the parents got to be ALONE, with OTHER ADULTS THAT UNDERSTOOD THEIR SITUATION. How nice! It was really great. We all got in a circle and introduced ourselves and our kids. Some parents I thought were going to cry. Others were so happy to be there, to be a strong source for others. It was fantastic, even though it was only for a short while. We also tossed around some questions to the group--what a great source of information!

E and Z playing


The kids came back, we had snack, and then ventured outside for climbing on the rock wall. YUP. A climbing wall. A great activity for building confidence and encouraging other kids--most of the kids really enjoyed it. I spoke to a rockstar of a counselor, Stephen, about the possibility of E going to "climb".

"Of course she can!" he says.

I'm not so sure...I didn't think she would be able to right herself in the harness in free space. Stephen went and got another harness--Elena was the only kid to wear a full-body harness instead of one for just the lower body/groin. She was very excited. I was nervous. I asked Stephen to go with her. He was glad to do so. Super Mike was on belay; I don't think he's really shown in the video, but he certainly got a workout today.

Stephen and Elena are "fist-pump" ready for the climb


Super Mike testing E on belay


I thought she would make it to the first rubber chicken-but she was determined to make it to the top. WHY NOT? YOU GO, DOODLE!!



After that we had lunch, and then more playtime, and then off to the horses. Unfortunately we didn't get to ride--we did do a photo scavenger hunt, which was fantastic--but Viv started melting down before they could ride. We all came home and passed out--every one of us, including me.