I signed Sam up for Camp TBI again and we actually discussed it more and although he didn't want to go, he seemed ok about it. Todd had to take him of course, got him set-up and left him there with his new counselor Allie. We didn't have the chance to meet up with Allie prior to camp although Sam did talk on the phone with her and we got to FaceTime with her.
Pre-camp prep:
I sent a gift for Sam, one for Allie and little flashlights for his cabin-mates:
Here is Sam's week at camp in Allie's words:
7/27/14
First Day!!
Sam is a rock star! After Dad left, Sam got a little teary-eyed but once I promised him he could walk to my cabin (to put away my sweet present!) he cheered right up! Sam told me all about Millie and he asked me all about my boyfriend on the way to play basketball. We played basketball with Brandon, Terrick and Cameron for about an hour before we headed back to the cabin. Back in the cabin everyone introduced themselves and came up with goals/rules as a group. Sam contributed the "stay organized" rule and a "be funny" goal (which he already is!).
As a group, we went and played putt-putt where Sam got a hole-in-one!! We left putt-putt around 6pm for dinner and Sam put his headphones on before we went into the noisy cafeteria. Sam had two big pieces of chicken and a good helping of white rice. After dinner we had a "concert" in the gym but Sam was feeling very tired and closing his eyes so we left a few minutes early and watched the staff roast marshmallows. They gave s'mores out to the group and I found a piece of the chocolate bar for Sam since he doesn't like s'mores.
He did great with getting ready for bed and got settled in to have at least a good 30 minutes for "work." Sam is so smart, loving and compassionate (not to mention funny) and I can't wait for this week!
7/28/14
Second Day!!
Sam woke up saying he had a good night's sleep except for Preston's snoring! We ate breakfast and went to our first activity...fishing! After some coaxing and turtle feeding, Sam caught two fish! He was so excited and we took a picture with them. After that we walked with our group to the horse barn where some rode Rollo! Following horseback was radio time and he did an awesome job as "DJ Announcer" where he announced the NBC Nightly News report concerning their recent loss. For lunch Sam loved that we had macaroni and cheese and chicken fingers.
Sam has fallen completely in love with my good friend Lindsey, who is now his date to the dance so we sit with her for every meal and she adores him! After lunch he went back to the cabin with the guy counselors for a rest break with everyone. Zip-lining was the first activity after break and Sam was adamant about not going until he was the last one left. Sam faced his fear and climbed all the way to the top! He got a little emotional and wanted to stop but he was so brave and jumped off the ledge! Everyone cheered and were all so proud of Sam for accomplishing his goal! Sam was so excited to tell everyone about the zip-line on the way to the pool. He loved the pool, especially the waterslide!! In the process of all the excitement we seemed to have lost his striped towel.
After dinner we went to a Hawaiian Luau down by the lake with a hula dancer and a fire twirler! Sam was so brave and went on stage to play hula-hoop musical chairs. He had everyone cheering for him and he came in 4th place!! So proud!! After the luau we had milk and cookies for a snack then went back to the cabin for bed and work.
Sam's camp love, Lindsey!
I can't wait to keep learning from Sam's big heart, love for people and cheerful attitude!
P.S. - We're working on not stressing about work and Roger during his vacation time!
7/29/14
Third day!!
Today we had to wake up a little earlier to take a group picture and Sam was not happy about missing his beauty sleep! The first thing we did after breakfast was archery, sports and canoe. Sam tried the bow & arrow but it was tough and hurt his hands so one round was enough! Sam loved playing basketball and being "coach" for kickball though. He even ran in for a home run during kickball! Sam met his bravery goal AGAIN today by sitting in a canoe and going out on the lake! The canoe could only fit 3 so Sam decided to ride in a canoe with Lindsey (his new love) and her camper, Abby. He made sure Fix-It and I were ok before he braved the water.
*For lunch we had cheeseburgers and onion rings*
*rest break in cabin*
After the rest, we had dancing and Sam wore his headphones and tried some new dance moves! While we were at dance class, his friend Caroline asked him to go to the dance on Thursday with her!! Sam got a little emotional when he thought that meant he couldn't go to the dance with Lindsey anymore, so now he has 2 dates!! He's so excited and telling anyone who will listen! Sam rocked the tennis court today! Mr. Donald even remembered how good he was from last year! Everyone was really impressed with how athletic Sam is! After tennis we went to drumming in the treehouse where Sam wore his headphones and tried a few beats on the drum!
After dinner we had a nighttime pool party and watched Frozen!
*Sam has not "met a stranger" this entire week and is now known has camp's "High Five King!" Tonight when we were in his cabin getting ready for bed, I had to kill a bug but I told him I was too scared to pick it up. Sam looked at me and said, "Allie, remember our goal? Be brave and pick up the bug!" He's such an inspiration and he makes everyone's day by simply telling them "you're special and I love you."
7/30/14
Fourth day!!
After breakfast our group went to the Camp Farm and Sam was so brave when he tried new baby tomatoes, watermelon, and pet a baby chicken! He was really sweet and picked a flower from the farm for Lindsey. For camper choice and the next group session, Sam went to the giant swing, for a grand total of 2 1/2 hours! Everyone watched him go all the way to the top and pull the string!
*lunch was Greek steak in a pita pocket with tzatziki sauce*
After rest break, we went to arts and crafts where Sam drew Lindsey and I a picture for us each to take home! He was really sweet and helped his friend Abby take marker tops off so she could color her picture. Finally it was Sam's favorite time of day...waterslide at the pool!
*changed after shower into snazzy Hawaiian shirt for the talent show*
*chicken fajitas and corn (tried it and loved it) for dinner & churros for dessert*
Sam was really nervous about telling his jokes at the talent show, saying that Rich and his boss wouldn't let him do it. I reminded him that his boss was fired so now Sam could be his own boss! He said, "Oh yeah!" I helped Sam with telling his jokes and everyone loved it! Sam was so proud of himself and getting high-fives from everyone!
*Sam is one of, if not THE happiest person I've ever met! He's so encouraging to his fellow campers and I've heard multiple counselors say they'll miss him the most and that he's the light of their day!! He always reminds me to "Face my fears!"
7/31/14
Last full day!!
After breakfast we went to the swimming pool but it was a little too cold for Sam (or anyone else) to enjoy it for too long. The next place we went was ceramics and Sam made a couple of figurines: a snake for Dad, a ring for Mom, and a long board for Abby! (I made a few beads to pass the time as well). Right before lunch we made a memory book with pictures taken throughout the week!
*lunch was two turkey sandwiches and a pasta salad. he tried cucumber salad but he wasn't a big fan.
We're not allowed to talk about work today since it's the last day! After rest break it started to rain so we couldn't go to the giant swing like we were supposed to. Instead we played board games in the library with some other campers and Sam played the host/announcer in Who Wants to be a Millionaire! After playing games we went over to the gym for sports. Sam played basketball with a couple of his cabin-mates. Later we went back to the cabin so Sam could shower and put on his snazzy outfit! Everyone, and I mean everyone, wanted to take a picture with him! At dinner he was cheered on to do the "shake your booty" dance in front of the cafeteria and he rocked it! He danced the night away and was so proud of his dance moves! We took funny pictures in the photobooth before heading back for bed!
We could not have asked for a better camp this year! When we were picking him up he said he didn't want to leave! Truly a miracle. We're so grateful to the Walton Foundation for sponsoring Camp TBI and letting Sam be a part of this experience. We're grateful to sweet Allie for all her hard work, patience and dedication to Sam this past week. She made a cute comment, "Everyone was jealous that I had Sam. He's golden."
Til next year Camp TBI...
