Easter Seals' Camp Fairlee Manor great fit for whole family
Leaving a child for the first time is always difficult, but it is especially difficult when leaving a child with a disability in an unfamiliar place, even if you know that place is trustworthy. That was the case for Carla Guzzi of Newark, when she decided to send her son Jon, who has an intellectual disability, to Easter Seals' Camp Fairlee Manor for the first time.
“It was very hard and I was very nervous. My older sons dropped off Jon because I knew I wouldn't be able to do it,” said Guzzi.
Although the family, including Jon, who kept repeating “home,” was very reluctant the first time they dropped him off, they soon figured out that Fairlee Manor was a great fit for everyone. Now Jon repeats “camp” and counts down to those fun-filled days in which he is able to take part in his favorite activities, such as swimming, fishing and horseback riding.
While Jon is at camp enjoying his time with friends, Carla and her family receive a much-needed break from caregiving.
“I enjoy the time to myself which I really don't get any other time of the year,” Carla says. “I have three other sons besides Jon. While two are older than Jon, I have a younger one named Matthew. We can spend time together doing things we can't do with Jon, like go to a museum and take our time reading everything. We plan short family getaways that are very relaxing.”
Easter Seals' Camp Fairlee Manor outside of Chestertown, Md., is the only camp in the region that provides a typical residential camp experience for children and adults with disabilities on a year-round basis. Campers enjoy a fun, supportive camp environment while family members enjoy time off from continuous caregiving.
Fairlee offers weeklong camp sessions throughout the summer, as well as a weekend respite program from October through May. Learn more about Camp Fairlee at www.de.easterseals.com/fairlee. To learn more about how Easter Seals helps children and adults with disabilities, call 800-677-3800 or go to www.de.easterseals.com.
