Each summer the call comes across the walkie talkie: has anyone checked the weather? The answer is always yes. Our amateur weather people, aka., our admin team tend to obsess over the weather each and every day of summer camp. There is a feeling of dread that a storm may pop up or that the predicted storm we know hit hard taking the power out. 

​The action to move safely indoors is always our top priority.

The second priority quickly becomes to adjust the schedule. The goal? To make sure campers do not miss any of the activities. While our Program Coordinator works that out, we keep everyone safe inside.

Depending on how long the storm is, we may stay inside from a few minutes up to a few hours. The camp cabins become cozy scenes from sleepovers, with friends playing cards on each other’s beds, hair braiding, reading, coloring, singing, and more. If the storm happens to be in the evening, we are almost guaranteed an indoor campfire which produces its own kind of fun and we often cannot wait to get back outside.

Sometimes the unthinkable happens and the power is taken out by the storm. Sometimes it comes back on in minutes. Sometimes it takes a few days. Power outages at camp are not uncommon (definitely, not welcome) and over the years we have learned to adapt.
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New this year, we have a generator that can power many areas of the dining hall and camp kitchen. Our stellar maintenance crew rushes in to do the hook ups and suddenly we are back in business, at least in those spaces. We feel blessed to be able to keep the lights on and keep the food safe during those longer outages.

When the power is out, camp is still camp. When the weather is clear, we can head back outside. Most of our activities do not actually require electricity so those are an easy adjustment. The cabins are a bit dark after the sun goes down, but what kid doesn’t love to make their way in the dark with a super cool flashlight bought just for going to camp?

Running the camp office is the trickier part. Cell phones are relied on to communicate with parents. Keeping them charged becomes a task. I have sat in my car a time or two to bring mine back to life. Running into the town of Nashville for power has also been an option. Our phones allow us to of course, take calls, and send messages via email and to post on our social media to let everyone know we are safe.

Navigating the challenges of the weather and power outages is just something we do. We have learned over the years how to keep campers moving and entertained in spite of what the weather throws at us. I can think of two times in my 40 plus years at camp that we were delayed in getting going (checked in campers on Monday instead of Sunday) and one time we almost had to evacuate camp due to weather or a power outage at camp. Those were big decisions that weren’t taken lightly. For us, giving the kids the best camp experience that is also safe is our primary goal. We always aim for safety and fun to continue. We know camp is an amazing outdoor experience and the weather is a part of that experience. We remain ready to adjust when needed. 

One of our six Core Values is that we are Inclusive. Many people associate this value with the way we support people who have a diagnosis such as Down Syndrome or Autism. A common view is that somehow these individuals are separate from the typical programming thus seeing our inclusivity as a program rather than a holistic approach to providing programming for people of all abiliites. Our approach is definitely the latter.  We have created an experience where everyone participates together and not an “inclusion program.”

If you were to visit camp on a typical summer day (I use the word typical lightly as the camp day can be full of surprises), you would notice groups of children with their counselors playing, singing, swimming, splashing in the creek, going to activities, and more. What you would not see is a separate group of people who have disabilities off to the side or not in the mix of what everyone else is doing. We meet people where they are and provide support as needed. 

Everyone who comes to camp has what we call support needs; it is part of being human. These needs vary from person to person. Every person at camp at some point receives support. Much of the support we provide is natural such as encouragement to try something new. Some individuals need a bit more and they can benefit from one to one support while others benefit from what we call floater or “sometimes” support. Support is always respectful, in tune with the needs of the participant, and happening throughout the typical day and activities at camp.

People often have questions about how we do what we do. The most common are asked and answered below.

How do we know who needs what kind of support? 
Our first peek into someone’s needs is most often the registration form. Designed to gather information that will help us get to know individuals before they come to camp, these forms often give us everything we need to know. Common support needs we see on these forms are homesickness, ADHD, food needs, allergies, sleepwalking, nervousness about camp, and bed wetting. The entire summer staff are trained in how to support campers in all of these. Other support needs listed on the form are directly connected to a specific diagnosis such as Autism, Down Syndrome, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, and other diagnoses. When these are listed on the form we reach out to parents for more information to learn as much about the participant as we can to insure they are well supported at camp so that they are able to have the best week of their summer (which is the goal for all participants). 

In addition to gathering information via the forms and additional conversations via phone and email, we encourage all families to visit camp. We have an open house each May and we also schedule tours upon request. Seeing camp in person, prior to a participant’s session, can often ease nerves for parents and their children. In addition, meeting with participants who may need a little more support, helps us to get a visual of how they might interact with the camp environment and camp people. All information gathered is shared with the staff who need to know, otherwise the information is confidential. 

What types of support are provided at camp? 
Our goal is to support as needed; we strive to not over support and definitely not under support. A group of our staff are taught how to support individuals with self care, daily living, emotional/behavioral, physical, social, and medical needs all while “reading” what a participant needs based on their unique personality and experiences. In addition, staff members are taught to not assume what someone might need based on their diagnosis but rather to build a relationship with the individual so they can more accurately understand their needs. 

Does everyone do the same activities?
Yes and no. Everyone has the opportunity to do the same activities with a few exceptions such as at the horse barn and high ropes related to age requirements. Another exception is program dependent. For example, Traditional Camp has different activities then Explore Camp but anyone signed up for any of our programs has the opportunity to participate fully. Sometimes we do see participants opt out and that is okay. Not everyone wants to go on high ropes and some are allergic to horses. Each activity has multiple ways people can participate so there really isn’t a standard requirement of ability needed. If needed, a staff member can support participants so they are able to participate fully. There are also some built in adaptations such as an adapted bow at Archery and a platform for mounting a horse at the barn. Both are used by people who have various ability levels.

Why is CYO Camp inclusive?
This is one of my favorite questions. We know the camp experience to be essential in human development and believe wholeheartedly that anyone who would like the camp experience should be able to have it and it is part of our mission and our Catholic faith to make that happen. 

“In 1978 the pastoral statement issued by the US Bishops stated, “It is not enough to merely affirm the rights of people with disabilities. We must actively work to make them real in the fabric of modern society. Recognizing that individuals with disabilities have a claim to our respect because they are persons, because they share in the one redemption of Christ, and they contribute to our society by their activity within it, the Church must become an advocate for and with them.”

At CYO Camp we are so much more than an “inclusion program.”  We are intentional in our programming and training to include people of all abilities so that anyone who wants this amazing experince can have it.  Being inclusive means we all participate together and all are respected and valued for our whole selves no matter our needs. 

Angi Sullivan
Camp Co-Director

On the eve of Mother Daughter Day at CYO Camp, I find myself filled with wonder at Mary’s role in the Catholic faith. Mothers in all cultures represent and embody the caregiver. As a little girl in church, I was always drawn to Mary and the idea that she was the perfect mom, perfect caregiver. How glorious, I thought, to have the perfect mom. Not because I saw my mom lacking in any way, but more that perfection could exist and if anyone was perfect it would be Mary. As an adult I understand her role more deeply and acknowledge that I am still learning and finding my way on my own faith journey.
 
Recently, I was reading about the dogmas of Mary and was reminded that she is much more than a caregiver. She is truly a miracle with a specific and significant role in the church. As a woman and a mom, I find her strength and her ability to use her voice to intercede on the behalf of believers to be quite remarkable. Her role is not so different from many of the mom’s I know today. 

Motherhood takes strength and voice if we are to bring our children up in the ways of goodness which can sometimes be in opposition to what others are doing.
 
“Of course, in the spiritual realm, the Blessed Virgin Mary plays this role of gentle comforter amid our sinfulness. No matter what we might've done, when we go to her, she will lead us to mercy.” https://www.thedivinemercy.org/articles/sin-affliction-turn-mary
 
“We can ask Mary for prayers just as we ask family and friends to pray for us. Mary loves Jesus. She wants everyone to know and love Him, too. Mary comes to our aid as our mother to help us and to point the way to her Son. “ https://blessedcatholicmom.com/
 
Likewise, I am drawn to the time in the Catholic wedding Mass when the couple honors Mary either by lighting candles or presenting her with flowers. Of course, entering the sacrament of marriage is the beginning of a lifetime of great humility and honoring another more than oneself. Honoring Mary and how she gave her life to Jesus as the humblest of all, during this time, can be an important moment at the start of a marriage, reminding both partners the sacrifices that a faithful marriage can ask.
 
“From Mary we learn to surrender to God’s will in things. From Mary we learn to trust even when all hope seems gone. From Mary we learn to love Christ, her Son and the Son of God…”  https://www.spokenbride.com/blog/2019/10/7/honoring-mary-on-your-wedding-day
 
Finally, I am moved by the power of the Rosary as a way to connect to Mary and her experience as the mother of Jesus. The Rosary itself is believed to have come from Mary. Equally fascinating to me is the comprehensive nature of the prayers and the meditative nature of praying the Rosary and the beads.
 
“Along with the cross and the sacred holy water fonts, the small beads that makeup Rosary beads are one of the most familiar and recognized symbols of Catholicism. According to Catholic tradition, the rosary was instituted by the Blessed Virgin Mary herself. In the 13th century, she is said to have appeared to St. Dominic (founder of the Dominicans), given him a rosary, and asked that Christians pray the Hail Mary, Our Father and Glory Be prayers instead of the Psalms. The original rosary of St. Dominic had 15 decades.” https://www.theirishstore.com/blog/story-behind-catholic-rosary-beads/
 
Mary holds a special place in our hearts at camp as well. Our Mary statue sits among the trees in our grotto providing the ideal space to pray and feel her presense. This provides such beautful space to be among what is sacred. 

I am equally captivated by the history and tradition and how Mary is integral to it all. She is so much more than the caregiver I saw her as when I was a kid. She’s an important connector to Jesus and a super cool mom for us to hope to emulate or at the very least to pray to her when we struggle.

Angi K Sullivan
CYO Camp Co-director
 

But it’s not just the honey bee. Mason bees are super pollinators as well.

In this article, ​the author claims they are actually better pollinators than the honey bees.  https://www.tmnews.com/story/lifestyle/2013/06/16/indianas-native-bees/47463905/ 

​In addition to the pollinator field, we have a Bee Hotel for the Mason's and others like them.. ​

On a recent Sunday afternoon, I had the opportunity to hang out with some girls to do a little crafting. We discovered tie dye, clay, and lanyard keychains. We also did a little writing. We centered ourselves at the craft building which we lovingly refer to as Handicrafts, aka. Handies. Not just the building though. We also have Handies Hill and Handies Trail. It’s been this way since I was a camper. Handie’s itself is sits atop the hill, open air, only half-walks with picnic tables, cement floors, cabinets, and a sink. In my experience, some of the most love filled crafts have been made here. 
 
What is most notable about this space though is the rafters, beams, and ledges that are painted with the names of those who have worked at camp. A tradition that dates to the 1960’s carries on at the end of each summer. Staff members choose their perfect spot, colors, design, and paint brushes and then paint their name and the date of the summer worked. Those who are working a second, third or even tenth summer add the date on this night and sometimes a little embellishment.
 
This name painting is a tangible way to say, “I was here.”
Truth? It really means “I WAS HERE” in an amplified voice with feelings of accomplishment and sighs of relief. They were here and they sweat, laughed, cried, joked, survived homesickness (theirs and the kiddos), stretched their comfort zones, broke a few rules, danced, sang, gazed at stars, played in the rain, and so, so much more.
 
The girls I was with on that Sunday afternoon had not yet had the opportunity to really take in these names before and were quite enamored. They laughed at “TED” and noticed painted sun shines, hand drawn flowers, dates that are older than they are, and shoes. Yes, someone added a real pair of shoes to their rafter name painting.
 
One of our writing prompts (created by my co-facilitator, Mary Beth O’Brien) for the afternoon turned out to be to choose a name or two and create a story. This was a favorite prompt of the day and gave a creative spark as they imagined the people who these names belong to.
 
For me, these names evoke memories of real people who I knew for a short time in their role of summer camp counselor. Many I have kept in touch with, many have been lost to me due to time and busy lives. All have gone on to build lives of their own that draw from the foundational experience of summer camp counselor. They have become parents, social workers, teachers, priests, nuns, engineers, coaches, guidance counselors… I could go on, but I will stop there.
 
Recently I noticed this on my Facebook feed:
 
“I really underestimate how formative, challenging, and unbelievably helpful my summers being a counselor at CYO camp truly were.
As a mom and as a teacher, I pull from that well of experience so often. I LOVE building culture in my classroom and on teams I coach. I feel comfortable doing it, and I somehow just now made this connection. At camp, we were handed a group of kids for a week and just.... created a positive group dynamic out of thin air. Every week.
I noticed camp again when my lesson before spring break wasn’t going well, and I not only noticed, but I also felt completely comfortable abandoning the plan for a better one I was creating in real time. I learned how to do that when we were supposed to be at an activity that was cancelled by weather. This rain not only ruined that original plan, but it also gave me an hour, 10 kids, no warning, and no plan at all. You learn to make magic out of... time, togetherness, and pure energy. Turns out...This is so, SO helpful in life.
And yesterday, with my sweet, rambunctious 3.5 (the half matters, guys!) year old, we were in an astoundingly slow checkout line. And I made up an everlasting game to entertain him. The rules, as many camp games do, slightly shifted over time to ensure he could never quite “win” and end the game. I learned to do this while singing songs and dancing while we waited to eat. It doesn’t feel like waiting when there’s entertainment, and again, you learn to think this way by doing it.
Just like in life, at camp most things are good, and some things are hard. Some weeks, you’ve got kids waking you up every night, and you have legitimately no idea how you’re going to summon the energy to deliver on the promise of camp magic the next day.
Today I’m finding myself in a similar place...so blessed by the calling in my life to wear so many hats, so tired from a teething baby, and so sure that by God’s grace and lessons from camp, I can deliver on that magic I learned to make those summers in Nashville.” Allison Tabaska (also known at camp as Ali Sobecki)”
 
I could not make this up if I tried. Camp is the ultimate teacher, and we are all her students.
 
I am looking forward to yet another summer and although the names added at the end will be smaller in number, I know they will leave their mark as all those before saying “I WAS HERE” and walk away with that same sense of accomplishment and sighs of relief as they move forward taking bits and pieces of camp out into the “real world.”

Peace,
Angi

​CYO Camp Co-Director