Become a caregiver at a special-needs summer camp!
Translated by Elisavet Kechagia
Βased on the original article translated in Greek by Έλλης Πασολλάρη
What we usually look for in our summer days is tranquility, relaxation and a small break from the exhaustion of everyday life. For us Greeks, a usual solution is going on vacation on one of our islands, and truth be told there are plenty for us to choose from. And here I am, with a completely different, but equally good suggestion: that of becoming a caregiver at a special-needs summer camp. To be frank, it will be tiring and could bring you to your limits. HOWEVER, all the positive attributes that you will obtain from this experience are so valuable that will make the rest fade away.
What you should know
The call of the alternative summer camp is addressed to people that are up for something… well alternative, and of course for providing a few carefree and fun days to people with special needs. The duration of the camp may differ depending on the period, but it usually lasts ten to fifteen days. The absolute necessities you should pack are, in my opinion, love, patience, and a sack of energy!
And since it is hard to describe this beautiful experience given that each and everyone of us experiences it differently, I will share with you some of the most important things you will be providing this camp with as a caregiver, but also what the camp will provide you with in return.
Your contribution to the summer camp
First and most important of all, you will provide 10 days of total fun to one, or more people with special needs that might not get the opportunity to do so often. By fun, I mean a ton of dancing, singing, and hilarious activities. You will come in contact with so many different personalities on a daily basis that you will lose count, and you will see yourself ex(changing) parts of you with parts of others. These people will offer you a plethora of feelings, be it intensely moving you, or giving you incessant laughter. Other than that, you will be providing their parents, who dedicate their energy to the children all year round, with a few days of relaxation.
What you are to obtain from this experience
You are going to have a great a time, since you will meet many people that share your interests. You will find yourself relaxing in an alternative reality, where all that troubles you in the “outside world” will be magically forgotten. You will leave your everyday responsibilities behind, all the while enjoying a true summer vacation since you will be going to the beach daily. Don’t forget you can enjoy your days off going for a coffee with amazing company! There will be time for you and other caregivers to get to know each other better, talk, play various games and relax.
And lastly, when this new experience is over, you will realize that you are a different you, having uncovered unknown aspects of yourself through interacting daily with other people and hard work. Let’s not kid ourselves, the responsibility that you are about to take if you choose this kind of vacation is severe. However, giving your all with much love, understanding and care, you will rise to the occasion and have a blast! Believe me, nobody wants to leave…
Θέλεις να σπουδάσεις στο εξωτερικό και δεν έχεις σε ποιον να απευθυνθείς; Μπες στο studybuddy.gr, κάνε εγγραφή και λύσε όλες σου τις απορίες σήμερα!
Αν επιθυμείς να διεκδικήσεις υποτροφίες στην Ελλάδα ή το εξωτερικό, ο Οδηγός Υποτροφιών του Citycampus που μόλις κυκλοφόρησε σου προσφέρει ό,τι χρειάζεσαι!
Θέλεις να ενημερώνεσαι έγκυρα και κυρίως έγκαιρα με το πάτημα ενός κουμπιού; Κατέβασε την εφαρμογή μας από το Playstore (citycampus.gr) και διάβασε όλα τα νέα άρθρα εύκολα και γρήγορα!
