The Empowering Effect of Easterseals Tennessee Adult Camps

Being away from home for the first time typically creates anxiety and stress for most people. So, imagine the hesitancy and fear Randy felt leaving home for the first time to attend Easterseals Tennessee’s summer camp, especially since he was from a small town and several hours away from familiar surroundings. 

When Randy arrived at camp, the staff noticed he was quiet and a little shy. However, because of his smile and his personable attitude, it did not take Randy long to adjust and strike up a conversation with other adult campers. Within a short time, Randy became more comfortable and found that his fears were not as overwhelming as he had first imagined.  As his camp session progressed, Randy laughed, sang karaoke, and seemed to enjoy every activity camp had to offer. The initial anxiety he felt quickly gave way to a sense of belonging as he made friends and embraced the Easterseals Tennessee camp experience.

Upon returning from camp, Randy told his mother that his favorite activities at camp were riding on the pontoon boat with his new friends, exploring the woods, and fishing. Having never fished, he reminisced about the excitement and leisure of daily fishing off the dock. Randy still talks about the food at camp and how delicious it was. Randy even brags that he went back “for seconds” during many of the meals.  He also recalls how nice and accommodating the camp staff were towards all the campers. Randy’s mother reports how thrilled she is that he attended camp because it was such a meaningful opportunity for him. 

The joy Randy found in the simple pleasures at camp illustrates the profound impact camp has. Randy found something at Easterseals Tennessee Adult Camp that many might take for granted: connection. Camp provided Randy not just fun activities, but a sense of belonging---a feeling he had not often encountered before.

Randy often repeats that he is “counting the days to this summer and going back to camp”. His experience has led to unexpected personal growth and development making him more confident, independent, and eager to face new challenges in the future. 

Randy’s story is a reminder that sometimes, even small steps into the unknown can open doors to enriching lives in ways never anticipated.