Get Travis Back to Camp 2018
Donation protected
Updated May 23 as Travis is hoping to attend camp for 4 weeks this year.
Meet Travis, a 16 year old son, and twin brother, who has Autism; he has the biggest & kindest heart, the best smile, gives the BEST hugs and he is learning to live with ASD (as are the rest of us). This will be Travis’ 5th and summer attending Camp Kennebec; this is also the 4th year we have fundraised in order to get him there.
Financially we, mom & dad, are unable to fund camp alone so we do whatever fundraising we can. We are blessed with a village of supporters that help us along the way. We would love to find a corporate sponsor,or two, that would be willing to help us annually but so far we have not had any luck.
In 2014 Travis went to camp for the first rime with full registration being covered via the help of a Social Worker. Most people know his story, but if you don’t let me know and I will send you it!! In 2015 we raised $4300 to cover his two week stay, in 2016 we raised $6023 to cover his 3 week stay, last year we raised $4500 to cover a 2 week stay and the Sens Foundation surprised him with a 3rd week (so amazing) and this year here we are again trying to raise a minimum $6500 to cover another 2 week stay – Travis really wanted to go for the whole summer, 8 weeks in 2018, to take part in the Leaders in Training program but as usual this Momma Bear just can’t make that happen. ($12,000)
People often as us WHY? Why do we put in the time and effort? Why are we sending him to such an expensive camp when there are local day camps that don’t even cost ¼? The reasons are many; but the main one is that when Travis went to Camp Kennebec that first year, he had the time of his life (his exact words at pick up), he came home a stronger, more independent young man. To say his experience was life changing, in an amazing and positive way, is an understatement. Travis had found a place where he “fit” and felt like “just one of the guys” (not an easy feat when you have ASD). Another, and just as important, reason is that Travis isn’t the only one that benefits from this wonderful camp – our whole family does. It is a break, a time to refocus, rejuvenate and relax knowing that Travis is somewhere safe, and fun - having the time of his life! A time filled with positive experiences and fantastic friendships that go along with them. So while many think that the amount we raise is extreme for a 2 or 3 week stay at camp - we say the moments and memories, knowing Travis is safe and happy, and seeing his face at the end when we pick up is priceless.
Meet Travis, a 16 year old son, and twin brother, who has Autism; he has the biggest & kindest heart, the best smile, gives the BEST hugs and he is learning to live with ASD (as are the rest of us). This will be Travis’ 5th and summer attending Camp Kennebec; this is also the 4th year we have fundraised in order to get him there.
Financially we, mom & dad, are unable to fund camp alone so we do whatever fundraising we can. We are blessed with a village of supporters that help us along the way. We would love to find a corporate sponsor,or two, that would be willing to help us annually but so far we have not had any luck.
In 2014 Travis went to camp for the first rime with full registration being covered via the help of a Social Worker. Most people know his story, but if you don’t let me know and I will send you it!! In 2015 we raised $4300 to cover his two week stay, in 2016 we raised $6023 to cover his 3 week stay, last year we raised $4500 to cover a 2 week stay and the Sens Foundation surprised him with a 3rd week (so amazing) and this year here we are again trying to raise a minimum $6500 to cover another 2 week stay – Travis really wanted to go for the whole summer, 8 weeks in 2018, to take part in the Leaders in Training program but as usual this Momma Bear just can’t make that happen. ($12,000)
People often as us WHY? Why do we put in the time and effort? Why are we sending him to such an expensive camp when there are local day camps that don’t even cost ¼? The reasons are many; but the main one is that when Travis went to Camp Kennebec that first year, he had the time of his life (his exact words at pick up), he came home a stronger, more independent young man. To say his experience was life changing, in an amazing and positive way, is an understatement. Travis had found a place where he “fit” and felt like “just one of the guys” (not an easy feat when you have ASD). Another, and just as important, reason is that Travis isn’t the only one that benefits from this wonderful camp – our whole family does. It is a break, a time to refocus, rejuvenate and relax knowing that Travis is somewhere safe, and fun - having the time of his life! A time filled with positive experiences and fantastic friendships that go along with them. So while many think that the amount we raise is extreme for a 2 or 3 week stay at camp - we say the moments and memories, knowing Travis is safe and happy, and seeing his face at the end when we pick up is priceless.
Organizer
Shana Reside
Organizer
Orléans, ON
