Help Send Patrick to Camp!

Hi Everyone!

My name is Ryan Wicka and I am a Special Education teacher in Northern Virginia. This year, I have a very special student named Patrick! Patrick is the sweetest young man you could ever meet, he is always putting other student's needs in front of his own, he is always following classroom directions, and he is always trying to help out his peers with any struggles they may be trying to overcome. However, there is one area Patrick struggles immensely in, social skills. Patrick was recently diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and because of this, Patrick, despite his want and attempts to be accepted by his peers, struggles to effectively communicate and socialize with his classmates. Patrick, like everyone, deserves to have a supportive and friendly social group, but without the support requested, this may be a life long uphill battle for him.

I am requesting donations to help pay to send Patrick to camp Akeela, a socialization and learning growth camp for students in grades 3-10 who are on the Autism Spectrum! This camp bolsters a deep lasting impact on kids’ lives, changing the way they feel about themselves and how they interact with others. When looking into this camp, it was noted that the parents of former campers overwhelmingly stated that at the end of the camp session that they couldn't believe how much their child had changed and grown. These parents/guardians were consistently moved by the enthusiasm with which their son or daughter proudly introduced them to new friends and counselors. Without question, Akeela is a therapeutic experience for their campers. Yet, it’s equally important to them that it doesn’t feel like a therapeutic environment! To be a camper at Akeela means to have a magical camp experience that matches the best “typical” camps any child could attend. Camp is about having fun, making friends, trying new things, building character and being a part of something bigger than ourselves; I want more than anything to afford that to Patrick. Every child deserves to feel like themselves, be loved for who they are, and have a true shot at making lasting relationships.

Camp Akeela is a 3-week overnight, all-inclusive, camp in Vermont that has a tuition of 8,200$. This rate is something most families in America simply cannot afford, no matter how wonderful the experience may be for their child, please help me raise the money for Patrick and his family so that for 3 weeks, this young man receives the same love and affection he brings to every situation he is a part of!