One month ago I started work at Camp Ramapo, a camp for kids with social, emotional, and learning challenges, including autism spectrum disorders, and it has been one exhausting and amazing experience. I came in not knowing what to expect considering I have little to no experience with children with special needs, nor have I ever worked at a summer camp (I used to go to a one week overnight camp every summer from 12 to 16 years old, but it was nothing like this).
This place is a hidden gem, well known to many around New York but not really to anyone else, though it should be. I work every day from 7:50 am to about 10 pm but much of the time it doesn’t actually feel like work (I even work in the office sometimes and It’s a running joke that I tell my campers “I’m going to work” when referring to the office, as if I’m not at work already all day long). These kids have their challenges of course, but this is why I’m here, this is what I signed up for. Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of your campers finally accomplish something they have been working toward all session: whether it’s learning how to calm themselves down when frustrated to finally getting in to the pool after weeks of refusing to do so.
Another great thing about Ramapo is the people. I have made some of the best of friends here and cannot imagine how I’ve been getting along in life without them. It’s truly amazing having so many people around you who have the same passions. We’re all here because we love kids and because we want to see them learn and grow. I’m with my kids and Co’s 24/7- literally- and while it can be completely exhuasting tiring at times, I’ve learned so much about every one here and have built such amazing bonds and relationships with them.
All in all, I have zero complaints about my experience here so far.