First Steps Camp

A few weekends ago, Gilby and I took the big kids to a weekend camp. First Steps Camp was held at Rocky Mountain Village, a fully disability accessible, Easter Seals camp in Empire, CO. It was put on by Children's Hospital, and only for kids who are new to using an augmentative communication device, and their families.

The gap between Myles' receptive language (what he understands and wants to say) and his expressive language (what he can say) is widening, so we knew he needed a more sophisticated way to communicate until his speech can take over. Last spring, we started on the journey of getting Myles his own "talker," which he has now had for a couple of months. The weekend camp was an immersion sort of experience to help everyone get more comfortable with using the talker and figuring out how to incorporate it into our daily lives. Gilby and I spent a large part of the weekend in training sessions while the kids were kept busy with camp activities. It was extremely helpful for Gilby and I, and the kids had so much fun (we all did actually)!! (Baby Ryker was missed, but he spent the weekend in the very capable hands of Grandma and Grandpa.)

We arrived on Thursday afternoon and joined the rest of the families and staff for dinner in the dining hall before our first evening of activities. Friday and Saturday were jammed packed with learning sessions, camp activities, and practice sessions with the talker, before leaving late Sunday morning. On Saturday afternoon, the kids had a chance to go horseback riding, climb the climbing wall, zip-line, and fish. Our kiddos opted out of many of the activities (Sydney's too reserved still and Myles was just not up for it), but it didn't dampen their experience.

 The kiddos loved the cabin we stayed in!

Myles climbing.

Daddy climbing while Myles looks on.

Gilby zip-lining.

Fishing with Daddy.

The weekend theme was Birthday Party, so Saturday evening the families and staff gathered for a group party.

 Cupcakes!

Taking a crack at the pinata and hiding candy in their shirts.

Myles and his sweet speech therapist, Meghan.

 

 Using his talker.

Although not very restful, it was nice to have a weekend away in the mountains where we were able to focus on our big kids. They both did great (minus Myles constantly running away from the table to go to the playroom almost every single meal!), met some new friends, and didn't want to leave on Sunday!