After our initial encounter visiting Liz at Camp Fatima in the summer of 1995, Catherine and I volunteered at Camp Fatima for the next 10 years (1996-2005). EC week is an overnight co-ed weeklong camp for children and adults ages 9+ with physical and or mental challenges. Many campers would not qualify for other camps. It is free of charge for all campers. As the third week of August approached each year, we found ourselves getting excited and happy to re-connect with the Fatima community, some of whom became life-long friends. I have selected only three of the many experiences we had. Hopefully, it will provide a taste of what made this place so special for us. For more info on EC week, see www.ecweek.org. The Horse Program This was our primary responsibility for all ten years. There were always at least six volunteers in the horse program. A few, Mike, a Boston mounted police officer, and Chris, a horse woman, came back every year and became good friends. Most of the volunteers at camp were city-folk, think South Boston, and the world of horses was completely foreign to them. Even though they did remarkable things with the campers, they were glad that someone else care for the horses, muck the paddocks and make sure everything was safe and enjoyable for the campers. In this way, we were quickly accepted as valued members of the EC family. Every morning around 6AM, Catherine and I would meet for our walk down to the paddocks together. It was like a “date” and I would wait at her cabin. There were women’s cabins, men’s cabins and camper / counselor cabins. On the way, as a surprise bonus for getting up early, we had “first breakfast” at the wood shop. One of the volunteers decided to make egg sandwiches and coffee for all the early risers. It always felt like being around a campfire, just hanging out with friends. Catherine and I then walked together on a beautiful trail through the pine trees, gave the horses their grain in buckets, spread some hay bales throughout the paddock usually shared by six horses, and shoveled up the manure while the horses had their breakfast. When horses eat, they settle in and all is quiet. It was a beautiful way to start a day. The first activity period started around 10am. By this time, the “horse crew” had saddled up the horses so we were ready for campers. We had decided that all campers regardless of disability could ride if they wished. Just one story -There was a very heavy camper with both of her legs amputated to the hip. She was clear that she wanted to ride and we were clear that we were going to make that happen for her. Her intellectual abilities were quite functional and she told us that “this was her chance.” Between the horse crew, her counselor and her willingness, up she went. Two of us were on each side of the horse and held her up. As with all the rides, one of us led the horse around the paddock. The joy she expressed still reverberates in my memory and heart. Over the years, we refined our methods and the maintenance crew built a sturdy ramp that wheelchairs could climb. Some campers just liked to look at horses, others fed carrots and felt “tickled” by the horse’s soft mouth. However, most campers, with our assistance, rode the horses. Very few campers had ever been near a horse, and certainly did not imagine they would actually ride one. It was stirring and joyful to see their happiness. My experiences over the years with “exceptional citizens” changed me profoundly in my understanding and relationship with those with “special needs.” I now find myself saying hello to almost all children in wheelchairs, especially those with cerebral palsy whose speech ability is challenged. In almost all cases, the parent is also very appreciative that someone has acknowledged and engaged her child who is often unseen. Special Programs Each year, EC Week selects a theme, including a nightly play. Themes are from musicals like Mary Poppins, Beauty and the Beast and the Lion King. Due to our love and experience with theater, Catherine and I volunteered to be “extras” in this group whenever they needed us. When, for example, the theme was The Sound of Music, we played the roles of nuns and Nazis in a single night, with a quick costume change. Many of the people in this group had been coming to Fatima for decades. During the year, they made costumes, sets and props, wrote dialogue and rehearsed the songs. Over the years, we sometimes got the opportunity, in the months before camp, to help with this preparation. Masses The singers in Special Programs were also the “folk choir” for the masses. We joined and learned quite a few new songs throughout the years. Campers also spontaneously joined the choir whenever they wished. All the Masses had one basic theme: LOVE. Sometimes four campers would each be given a letter, L_O_ V_ E and at some moment they would spell it out in front of the altar. It is really important to mention that at Fatima nothing worked precisely. For example, love might be spelled starting with the V. But after a little adjustment, all was well. EC week made it abundantly clear that what really matters is kindness, not the results or performance. This is remarkably liberating when an entire group for a week adopts this attitude. We lived in “camp time”, and as an example, meals started when they did. In the world of exceptional citizens, “things always happen” and if the response is kindness, all is well and many felt that they have tasted a bit of heaven. We certainly did. The experiences I described and many more that remain to be shared some other time could certainly have happened at any camp with exceptional citizens. The campers bring the magic. That EC week has now been running for more than 60 years would probably not have happened had it not been for the Church’s support. I did not think about this at the time. It just filtered in on my way to becoming Catholic.
1 Comment
Rose
1/24/2021 05:07:32 pm
I love reading these. It makes me remember how long I’ve known you. Since the office in East Gloucester. So many great memories. Miss you💕.
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