Today, Full Life Ahead will be coming to campus to hold their winter camp. Full Life Ahead is just that, they work with all ages and all types of illnesses and disabilities to help individuals lead a full life. As I think back on their first camp one of my favorite campers comes to mind....
A young man in his early 20's who has autism. Four years ago he attended camp for the first time and pretty much against his will. His father and aunt thought this would be a good experience for him so they attended camp as a family. He was very stand-offish, didn't mingle too much and for the most part resented being here. As fate would have it, the camps entertainment for the evening didn't show up so David and I borrowed my brother's karaoke machine. Everyone loves karaoke. As we were setting things up, he opened the book with the list of different songs. His attention immediately went to Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline". He said, "I think I can do it." We all encouraged him to try, so he did. As the music started and he began to sing, I realized, this is his comfort zone. He sang it with soul and sounded just like Neil Diamond, he didn't even need the words. He was amazing! The crowd went wild with excitement and he loved it. The rest of the evening belonged to him. He was the man!
I found out later that his family had no idea that he could sing. Wow, and he does it so well.
Have you heard how music can sooth the soul, well in this case it was true. He found his place and felt a sense of ownership with the camp. He no longer stands alone, he is the first to arrive at camp and is what I would consider, the face of Full Life Ahead.
Oh, and on another note. He now has a job, and an apartment and a girlfriend.... He indeed is leading a Full Life.
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