BRADENTON (WSNN) – A Suncoast camp serving children with Specials needs is transformed for Halloween.
From cowgirl:
“I’ll go to Texas…. Yee Haw!” Dream Oaks Camper Olivia Bryant said.
To the legendary Pokemon:
“He controls/gives nightmares,” Dream Oaks Camper, Colten Slone said.
Dream Oaks camps welcome many “characters” on Halloween giving children with special needs a fun and safe way to celebrate and to feel included:
“It’s like a good no-judgment zone,” Counselor in Training, Taylor Alaniz said. “A lot of kids can be themselves and they’re not going to be judged for how they act or the noises they make or some of that stuff.
“Here, we’re going to love you for who you are and not even think once about why they’re doing that or what are they doing,” Counselor in Training, Kobe Hills said.
Playing games, getting crafty, and making Halloween-themed foods, all while being sensitive to their senses.
“Some of that stuff like they don’t want to walk in the dark or there’s too much noise or it’s just like sensory overload,” Alaniz said. “So it’s nice to be here for them.”
The featured activity? Trunk-o-Treat.
“There are people that volunteer out and they come and they line up their cars in the little loop we have here and the kids walk around and get their candy,” Hills said. “So it’s like a Halloween these kids can even have.”
Socially distanced with COVID protocols in place.
It’s really a treat for everyone involved.
“Honestly seeing all the kids get so excited about the candy and everything is really exciting,” Camp Counselor, Amy Levison said.
SOT: Kobe Hills and Taylor Alaniz – Counselors in Training, Dream Oaks Camp
“I just love the joy on their faces
The feeling is mutual for campers.
“They are really cool and not only that, they make a day, a perfect one,” Slone said. “And they’re the star of the camp.”
Counselors in Training, Kobe Hills says he’s living the dream.
“I found the job I love to do, I’m getting paid for it, and I’m very happy with it,” Hills said.
Stay safe out there and Happy Halloween!
