Our son, SuperPizzaBoy, attended Camp Grey Squirrel this week. Camp Grey Squirrel is Oklahoma’s first resident camp for children with autism. It is located at the Methodist Boys Ranch near Gore, Oklahoma in the Cookson Hills near Lake Tenkiller. Sweetie and I wanted him to have a good time at the camp and this is the first time he had been gone from family for more than an overnight stay with friends.
We walked in the door and we both could tell from the look on his face that he had a wonderful time. I have to admit that it brought tears to both of us. He was really happy.
We could tell that the campers and staff had bonded very well. They were a happy group.
Key to the success of the camp were the buddies that each camper had. The buddies were teenagers from Four Winds Church in Conway, Arkansas. Kudo’s to Four Winds Church, and to the buddies, is what the Yogi’s have to say. Here is SPB’s buddy, J from Four Winds Church.
The buddies help the campers stay organized and on task and help them as needed. They are all volunteers overseen by adults. The buddies even paid their own expenses. They were really a blessing to all the campers and the parents of the campers. We are very thankful for J, her fellow buddies, and the adults that accompanied the buddies.
The Camp is not a religious camp per se and no religious instruction or presented. The young people from Four Winds provided a powerful witness to their faith.
Of course, we peppered SPB what he did and he was long on adjectives and short on information, “It was great.”
Fortunately, he took his camera along and even participated in a photography class. So the following are SPB’s pics.
The above is not at the camp but is a pond near the swimming pool they used.
And of course a picture of dorky old dad.
He made lots of self portraits,
He and his friend found a dead bird so they buried it. SPB told me that it was bloggable.
The swimming pool,
No modern day tweenager is ever very far away from Legos.
The camp was electronics free, thank goodness!!
They went horseback riding. He tells me that he took this pic during his photography class. I kind of like it. But I’m biased.
Not a half bad reflections shot.
This is what it is all about.
We are big fans of Camp Grey Squirrel. He is going again later this summer. If you know somebody who might be interested send them the link to the web site.
Oh, what a wonderful post and photos! I’m SO glad that SPB had such a great time! This is the best news of the day and I love all of your photos — and his!! Has to make a wonderful weekend for all of you!! Thanks for sharing the fun!
Sylvia
Hooray for Logan and hooray for J. It looks like a good time was had by all. Cool beans.
Lunch was great. Let’s do it again.
What an impressive place and those buddies are like angels from heaven! I’m so glad SPB enjoyed the camp.
It’s so good to hear that SPB had a great time – and he took some really good photos too! It’s also refreshing to read about teenagers like the buddies for the kids attending the camp. They sound like a great group of kids.
Beautiful and full of tenderness and feeling these pictures, I love. Congratulations.
The best part is he enjoyed. Lovely capture of his smile.
It looks as though you and Sweetie are going to start wearing shoe lifts as SPB is rapidly catching up in height. Love his photographs, he’s obviously got a very good teacher in Dad.
Gosh, just seeing SPB’s happy face got me choked up, too. He’s turning into a photographer! What a “great” (as SPB would say) experience! Our nephew is getting married this week in FL – he and his future bride work with autistic children.
I love SPB’s pictures. He’s doing a great job. And yes, a dead bird burial is definitely bloggable.
SPB does look as happy as can be. Glad he had such a “great” time.
I would say SPB had a good time just by seeing his photos and the smile on this face.
What a wonderful place and time spent there! So very fantastic for everyone. 🙂 SPB is a charmer. What a cool kid.
Hugs,
Lois
Oh my gosh! Yogi…reading this brought me to tears! I’m so glad SPB had such a great time and wants to go again this summer. I love all his pics…especially the horse photo. What a wonderful place filled with the spirit of God.
The name of the place charmed me, and the pictures stole my heart. That’s the kind of fun every kid should have in the good ol’ summer time. I’m glad he enjoyed.
Fabulous! I am thinking of sending Michael next summer. Jacob will NOT be happy about it, though.