Summer Camp with a “Special Population” Joy Harper Jharpyr@knights.ucf.edu 5/20/11 EEX4242

City of Altamonte Springs Special Community Services and the Advisory Board for the Disabled, Inc. Other programs offered include: Winter Camps, S.T.O.P., Nightbird Dances, Thursday Night Out, Altamonte Special’s Bowling, Sparklers Special Cheerleading, Ballroom Dancing, Special’s Belly Dancing Family Aerobics, Bambino Buddy Ball, and the Seminole County Special Olympics.

Host Site Eastmonte Civic Center 830 Magnolia Drive Altamonte Springs, FL 32701 Westmonte Civic Center 624 Bills Lane Altamonte Springs, FL 32714 Mission: to provide social activities throughout the year at minimal cost to the mentally and physically challenged population in Altamonte Springs and surrounding communities. Membership Demographics: Mostly white mid-20s to early-30s and female, about 1/3 of the population was male.

Engagement Activities I decided to address the need for counselors in a summer program for the special community from Altamonte Springs. I volunteered two Wednesdays (June 8th and 22nd) in June to work for the Special Needs Summer Camp out of Altamonte Springs. The camp days were from 9am-4pm. During camp, campers played games, made crafts, swam, watched and participated in outstanding presentations from guest speakers, and took field trips!

How I got Started… I found their site online… http://altamontesports.org/programs/special_population.php Then, I wrote the coordinator about volunteering for the program and the specific days I could volunteer: rrel-khoury@altamonte.org I filled out the necessary paperwork, had it notarized, got my fingerprints taken…and sent in the information. Then I went to Orientation where I received vital information and my volunteer t-shirt. Afterward, I was all set to volunteer!

Participant Demographics This program serves close to 100 citizens with special needs each summer. My group was comprised of 8 females, all were white and between 20 and 35 years of age. Participants are considered persons with disabilities (as dictated by the IDEA) because they exhibited mental retardation, hearing impairments, or emotional disturbance and because of this require special services.

Service in Action

Perceptions of Differences My initial thought/feelings My thoughts now… Experiences that had the most impact, on me and on others, during my service hours?

Connections to Your Course I am enrolled EEX 4242 which requires my participation in Teachers in Action The student comes before the disability, accommodations are vital for student participation, mental age and physical age do not correlate in many circumstances (appearances can be deceiving). I feel like I retained more and reflected more because I had this service-learning requirement. For me, there is no better way to learn than to participate. These experiences may help me get the job, but will help me on the job as well.

Civic Engagement One aspect of service-learning is to show the power and importance of being civically engaged. What is your perspective on civic engagement and volunteerism now? What purposes do you think civic engagement serves in society, for all citizens including those with disabilities? What thoughts do you have about service-learning as a method of learning? Did this experience motivate you to be more engaged in the future? Would you encourage teachers and students to embrace service-learning in the future? Why/why not?

Final Thoughts & Reflections What could others do about working toward greater understanding, empathy, and opportunities for persons with disabilities? What could you do to help others become involved? What role do teachers play in educating students, parents, and communities about more than just academic topics? Are teachers truly paramount to the "greater good” of society?