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“Hello everybody, yes indeed, yes indeed, yes indeed. Hello everybody, yes indeed, yes indeed, my darling.”
The refrain is sung at each “Camp for Caring,” Family Caregiver Alliance’s weekend-long residential camps for adults with cognitive impairment. In fact, this lively ditty, sung in as many languages as campers and staff can think of, captures the essence of the weekend camps—warm, friendly, and welcoming. Campers are treated to a weekend full of fun activities, while caregivers, who do not attend camp, receive a brief respite from their daily caregiving responsibilities. The weekends offer something for the community, too—a tremendous opportunity to participate as camp volunteers. This program is just one of many respite opportunities available through FCA for caregivers.
Organized by FCA’s Jennifer Hull and directed by Caitlin Morgan, the weekend camps are immensely popular. Many of the campers are repeat visitors. Caitlin and her staff of “old-timers”—Cherie, Andrea, Katherine, Brian, Alex and Cecil—are devoted and skillful individuals who have been caring for camp participants for many years.
From Friday afternoon, when campers are brought to a Bay Area retreat center, until Sunday afternoon, when their caregivers pick up them up, campers participate in a variety of activities. These may include arts and crafts, tossing balls at the celebrated “mini-Olympics,” dancing the hula, or enjoying old, familiar songs. To give campers the best experience possible, staff members assist those who need extra support or tailor recreational activities so each camper is able to participate.
The staff’s primary objective at all times is the safety of campers in a fun, relaxed environment. Each camp is staffed with a 24-hour nurse and night attendants to provide evening care; bathing assistance is also available. Campers who are frail or incontinent may participate.
FCA’s “Camps for Caring” are held four times each year. To find out more about these weekend adventures for your loved one, or to volunteer for a four- to six-hour shift to assist in camp activities, contact Jennifer Hull at (800) 445-8106.
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