Zip, zap, zop.
A group of 10 children sitting in a circle took turns saying each word over and over. Once the circle was complete, the pace quickened until you could barely understand what the children were saying.
Eventually, the group erupted in laughter and applause.
“We went around in seven seconds!” one child exclaimed.
“I bet we can do it even faster,” another proclaimed.
The wordplay exercise was one of many activities held July 25 – July 29 at Camp For All 2 U, an adaptation of Camp For All, a unique, barrier free camp in Burton, Texas, that works in partnership with other non-profits such as Texas Children’s Hospital to enrich the lives of children and adults with challenging illnesses or special needs.
Camp For All 2 U brings the activities campers enjoy in Burton – music, drama, arts and crafts, and more – to Texas Children’s Hospital so that children whose current medical conditions prevent them from traveling do not exclude them from experiencing the wonders of camp.
Child Life Specialist Sarah Coltman, who has been collaborating with Camp For All to bring the experience to Texas Children’s Hospital, said the first annual event was a success and treated dozens of patients and their siblings to a much needed break from every-day hospital life.
“It’s been really nice to see these kids and their parents laughing and having fun,” she said. “We hope to bring our patients and their families this opportunity again next year.”
Camp For All Program Supervisor Allen McBride said campers in Burton always come in very shy and reserved but leave laughing, smiling and not wanting to go home. He said it was no different at Texas Children’s.
“They all seemed to have a really good time,” he said, adding that many campers met other patients and made friends.
Nine-year-old Braden Sing said he had a wonderful time at camp and that the carnival activities were his favorite. Braden has been at Texas Children’s for almost a month. He and his little sister attended camp all week.
“This is really cool,” Braden’s mother, Michelle, said. “It’s given him a chance to do some of the things he’s missed this summer.”
Gallery of photos from event:
