March is Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month, and March 25th is specifically National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day. Read below to learn about cerebral palsy (CP) from our very own Camp Fellow, Gigi!
About Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy is not inherited, usually diagnosed due to trauma to a baby’s brain during or very recently after childbirth. There are a few different types of CP, and Cerebral Palsy is more of an umbrella term for motor disabilities diagnosed in childhood. Cerebral, refers to the brain, and the term palsy refers to weakness of muscles.
The main impact of CP is on a person’s ability to move, control their balance, posture, and sometimes speech. This can limit a person’s independence or ability to typically participate in certain leisure or personal care needs.
At Camp
At Roundup, we can be the YES MAN. In a world that isn’t always supportive of assistive technology, mobility devices, or moving at another person’s desired pace instead of ours, camp is a space to let them redefine success. Personal care and medical needs are seamlessly integrated into the camp program, alleviating the camper from feeling they are missing any of the action. At our program spaces, we have innovative tools and support to make sure our camp is a space for ANY camper to try new things.
Camp has the ability to slow down time, giving our campers space to explore new things. A moment that sticks in my head for a camper who has CP is a stage night moment. This camper had expressed interest in dancing during stage night, to showcase their moves! They shared they couldn’t do this at school events due to impatient people who just “didn’t understand”. This camper was able to take her time moving from her chair, onto her feet, at her own pace and show their wonderful dance moves. Creating an environment at camp where campers learn is a brave and safe space to try new things is an opportunity that never gets old!
The tried and true reminder of not assuming other abilities is constantly at the forefront of my mind when working with youth who have cerebral palsy. People with cerebral palsy are in the world doing wonderful, independent, adventurous things. A diagnosis, the way a person communicates, or moves does not define their knowledge or independence.
About the Expert: Jillian “Gigi” Cosgrave
I grew up learning about the SeriousFun Children’s Network by hearing family members tell wonderful, magically seeming stories about their experience on seasonal staff at Hole In The Wall Gang Camp. Once I heard about Roundup, I applied for a seasonal position immediately. After two seasons of experiencing camp magic, I am now on the full-time staff.
When I started as a Recreational Therapist, I worked for few local Philadelphia adapted rec organizations. Eventually, I found HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy, in Philadelphia, PA. Working alongside nurses, educators, and therapists lead me to a deeper understanding of inclusive leisure, and cerebral palsy specifically. Making recreation an accessible experience for everyone has always been important to me both professionally and in my personal life.
When I am at camp, it is impossible to be anything but yourself! There is truly something magic in the air. Watching campers and staff alike feeling supported and seen to be their true selves never gets old! Once people experience that feeling, the opportunities feel endless, you want to try new things & soak up the experience.
