This past summer, we dropped our son off at summer camp.  What is a typical and recurring experience for many children and their parents was a new experience for our family.  You see, unlike the thousands of children who attend various types of camps each year, our son is an adult. And this was not your run-of-the-mill summer camp.

A special kind of camp

Our son and several of his peers attended a camp designed for individuals living with the effects of a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).  This camp is offered every summer for one week.  While at this camp, these survivors have the opportunity to experience life as they remember living before their injury. They live as independently as their circumstances allow them and have experiences that otherwise may not be an option for them in their everyday lives.

Setting up for success

Each camper is paired with a volunteer assistant for the week. However the camp is specifically designed to allow each camper to be as independent as possible with assistance from their volunteer only when asked.  This aides the survivors in testing their limits and capabilities in a safe environment with support when necessary and often helps facilitate gaining new skills or regaining old ones.

Since a TBI often affects executive functioning, tasks like initiation and planning can be challenging.  To support these needs, the camp displays a large calendar, showing all the daily and weekly activities. As it is always visible, campers can refer to it whenever necessary to decide upon or remember their next activity.

Some of the camp activities include fishing, canoeing, a climbing wall, zip lining, boating, biking, and a ropes course.  All of the activities are adapted to the needs of each camper, so they are able to participate to the best of their abilities.  Our son particularly enjoyed the ropes course. Although he said it was the most difficult activity he tried, he wanted to challenge himself.  He also has always enjoyed fishing, so to be able to participate in that at camp with all his friends was another of his favorites.

Speaking of the camp activities, each camper participates in whichever activities are of interest to them.  This allows them to make most of their own choices throughout the week, something which has been taken away from them in many cases. Although there is a structure in place, it exists without making the survivors feel as though they are coddled or treated as not capable.

By the end of the week, it was evident that the higher functioning survivors enjoyed helping their fellow campers when needed.  They worked together as a community, using whatever skills, gifts, and talents they brought to the team. One major benefit to this was they no longer had time to focus on themselves and their shortcomings.  It also opened their world to see others experiencing the same challenges.

Like all summer camps, this one did come to an end.  And, like many campers, these TBI survivors long to return.  They think about the independence they gained, the community they formed, and the fun they experienced and would love for it to happen again.

And what if it could happen again? Not just for one week each summer, but forever?

Creating the Villa Licci residence will give these adults living with TBIs a lifetime feeling of being at camp. Daily they’ll be creating community with those who are living the same experiences.  They’ll have more opportunities to help and support one another.  And they’ll be there encouraging each other to be more independent and live their best lives every day.

Will you help to make this dream a reality?

As you are preparing for the gift-giving season, or just for reference for future ideas, we have compiled a list of gift-giving ideas for the TBI survivor in your life.

Help with transportation

Since many TBI survivors cannot drive themselves, providing a way for them to get from place to place is very much appreciated.  This can be in the form of gift cards for Uber/other ride services. Or just offer to give a ride yourself.  This also provides a survivor with the gift of your time and presence.

Assistance with an outing

Along with general transportation is helping a survivor go out in the community.  This is not only fun but provides social interaction.  Think about what your friend or family member likes to do and craft an outing around that.  For some it could be as simple as a trip to the mall to wander around and window-shop or people-watch.  Another might like a sporting event or a concert.  A picnic somewhere outside, or a trip to a favorite restaurant is another idea. Maybe an outing for a mani-pedi would be enjoyable.  When in doubt, ask the survivor in your life what they would like to do!

Meals, snacks, and treats

Especially for someone living on their own, assistance with meals can be helpful and fun.  Gift cards to meal delivery services or a subscription to a meal kit service might be appreciated by someone who would rather cook and/or eat at home. A gift card to a restaurant, especially if transportation and company are included, might be better for someone who wants to go out.  Perhaps even stocking their pantry with favorite snacks, especially ones that are harder to find, or bringing over homemade treats for them to enjoy would be other options.

A phone call letting them know they aren’t alone

TBI survivors often feel disconnected from others.  This can be exacerbated during the holidays.  Something as simple as a phone call shows they are not alone and you are thinking of them.

Including them in your holiday festivities

While parties and gatherings aren’t for everyone, and the survivor in your life may not want to participate, knowing that their presence is wanted is a gift in and of itself.  Extending that invitation to a family party or a gathering of friends and then helping the survivor to feel comfortable there can seem simple but is no small gesture.  Making sure the venue is accessible for their physical disabilities, providing transportation to and from, ensuring there are foods available the survivor likes, allowing them to leave when they get tired and helping them get home safely.  These are all little gestures that can provide a big gift!

No matter what you decide to do, if a gift is given thoughtfully and with love, it is always appreciated.  But remember, the greatest gift is of time and presence, so keep that in mind when you are thinking of gifts for the loved ones in your life!