Dear Addie,
5 years ago, we were approaching the end of the school year and I found myself having left the most desperate voicemail on a local autism camp’s answering service. The structure you were thriving on was about to come to an end, and an unplanned carefree summer was about to begin. I get it, it sounds weird even saying that out loud. A break from a rigid schedule may be welcomed for most, but in our little world it can lead to sensory chaos and an unsettling feeling for you inevitably affecting us all. Not sure if the stars had just somehow aligned or the director heard my message and sensed my utter despair (pretty sure it was the latter of the two), but I received a call back within 10 minutes and we were touring the facility the very next day. It was perfect Addie and the long-term vision was even better, but the best part was there was legit only one spot left for this summer camp - Ummmm yes please! We’ll take it! And it was then we joined the 3 Bluebirds Farm family.
(Photo Credit: Rusted Lens Photography)
Looking back now I realize how incredibly lucky it was for there to have been that one spot open in our time of need. All the “we have no availability” responses I had received before contacting them were quite valid. It is such a specialized service that requires a vastly different ratio of campers to counselors or aides, spots are truly very limited and fill up fast!
Having said that, if I could write a manual to give to new ticket holders on this journey, it would be written in bold font “Summer structure is important book your activities or camp 6 months in advance or find out when they release their registration dates and mark your calendar! You’re welcome. It will save your sanity.”
Now take in account a global pandemic and the game has changed. All camps have changed. Most have had to reduce their numbers of participant capacity and for us that leaves an already wildly specific camp eligibility for kiddos like you only that much more in demand. Not to mention the stress the nonprofit world took as services were at an all-time high for demand and funds were withering away with traditional fundraising efforts all but halted with the uncertain economy. It was a recipe for defeat.
But this story doesn’t end there.
“The bad things that happen today, could be paving the way for the good things coming tomorrow. Trust the process.” - Mandy Hale
You see Addie, defeat is not an option here. This camp was created by a family very similar to ours. Living this journey navigating sometimes really rough waters and like we once were, in need of such a service and it just wasn’t there. And if services that were so desperately needed in their time of need weren’t there, was this it? Is treading water just how it was going to be from here into navigating adult years? With slim availability for services for school aged children affected by autism, adult special needs services were surely even less available. Something had to change and with that the mission began and 3 Bluebirds Farm was born. A vision of a planned residential farm community for adults with autism, along with track-out programs, summer camp programs, and after school programs as well as respite care for children and adults with autism.
So nice try global pandemic, but it’ll take more than this to stop them from paving the way to help others! With a virus blowing through changing life as we knew it, they went to work temporarily reinventing the wheel to lend a hand in assisting many through this trying time and added managing virtual schooling for those that needed it in a socially distant and safe environment. They even had a successful go at taking their annual fundraiser “virtual” with an online Bluebird Ball this past year. Was this an ideal situation? Nope, but defeat is not an option, so they made it work and continued to help others. Where there’s a will, there’s a way and the will is strong here. The truth is there is not enough places or funds for places like this for our community. This farm although vast in size is only a drop in the ocean for the need that is out there but it has to start somewhere.
With our life regaining a bit of normalcy, they slowly started welcoming campers back and it was our turn last week. To say we felt blessed by this opportunity would be an understatement especially after the craziness of this past year.
This year Ad, we were lucky. I didn’t need to make a desperate phone call looking for that all to important structure you crave and need so much. I knew right where you were going and the best part is you were excited to go. You spent time in the fresh air and farm life, with water play, games, doing art and learning new skills. Practicing and thriving on those all too important socialization skills and having fun while doing so. You were blessed to have spent yet another year with this amazing group of people that believe and know you & your peers are capable of so much in this life. All this because perhaps they once needed someone to answer their desperate call.
We were lucky Ad. We followed a paved road that led us to a farm with fresh air, love, so much promise and happiness for our autism community.
This global pandemic has changed many aspects of our lives, but our beloved camp stands strong and true to its mission, ready to welcome its community back with open arms.
Looking back, I can only be grateful for all those closed doors that inspired my desperate call, leading us right where we needed to be.
Love you Ad.
Mom
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