CHAMP Camp Parent Guide

That bio.

http://maggieandluke.blogspot.com/2014/04/writer-block.html?m=1

Well it's in the new George Washington University CHAMP Camp Parent Guide. 

Can't wait to share what we have learned on our apraxia journey with others!

See :) 

Grateful to play a little part in giving back to a camp that has been our home for 2 summers.

Writer's Block

The thing about this blog is. 

I write what I want and when I want to. 

I don't have deadlines. 

There is no set schedule. 

Pretty much, I just get the urge to write and I do.

It's just me and I make my own rules. 

So when I had to write a bio for myself this week and I had to finish it in a week...

The pressure was on. 

I avoided it. Like the plague.

I whined about it on Facebook.

I even tried to get out of it. 

But, I can't avoid something just because it's hard. 

I mean...I bust out bios for Maggie and Luke all the time. 

But for me. 

Crickets. 

Focus, Mary. Focus.

We can do hard things.

I needed a bio if I was going to present at George Washington University's CHAMP camp this summer.

We spent 2 great summers in their intensive Childhood Apraxia and Motor Planning Camp; but this summer will be different. 

We will no longer be "campers" and I won't be a "parent facilitator" during parent education this year. 

I am going to be a presenter. 

Sharing with other parents about grant and funding opportunities.

And that bio. 

I knocked it out quickly when I kept my eye on the prize. 

Said bio below.

Can't wait to talk about what we have learned along this journey. 

CHAMP Camp Day 4 Graduation

CHAMP Camp Graduation Day is a BIG deal.  It's hard NOT to get emotional about the progress that occurs, the friendships made, the lessons learned and the inspiration gained. 

I found this book at the GWU bookstore and it seemed to fit perfectly...Luke does have BIG plans. I gave it to Luke graduation morning and we gave Abby the same book as part of her thank you gift. 

Parent education for the last day was incredible. Britt Collins (OT) and author spoke to us about sensory processing. It was most informative and left me wanting more. I am getting her books ASAP.  Britt has worked for Dr. Lucy Jane Miller at STAR Center. I think that in itself is a stamp of approval. 

I was brought to tears when one of the campers thanked his parents and grandparents for bringing him to CHAMP. I cannot tell you how affirming his gratitude was. I pray that one day Luke will be grateful for all that we did to ensure that he was able to communicate.

Super Luke at CHAMP graduation ;)

CHAMP Camp Day 3

Abby planned a ton of cool experiments for Luke, as well as literacy based activities this week. He used the frog in this picture to hit a lily pad target (with sight words). The reading specialist in me was elated!!! And the mama in me was beyond proud of his efforts to "read" this week. 

I loved Abby's flexibility with Luke. She knew his learning style and played to his interests. I can't say enough about her patience and her adaptability. 

Therapy is hard work. And since Luke has been in therapy for so long, he shows signs of being therapatized. He knows the tricks of the trade and attempts to use his smarts to outwit and escape if he can. Abby rolled with it and even came up with activities "on the fly" to keep his attention and divert his attempts at getting out of practice.  I cannot say enough nice things about her. She made therapy fun, meaningful and memorable. 

After Day 3 of CHAMP, we headed across the street and had lunch at Tonic.

Great food and even better company. 

Tomorrow is graduation and although we are ready to get back home to our girl, we are going to miss DC and our friends from camp.

CHAMP Camp Day 1

This year's CHAMP (Childhood Apraxia and Motor Planning) Camp was appropriately themed....Superhero Training ;)

Children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech from all over the country joined together for a fun filled 4 days of learning at GWU's Speech and Hearing Clinic. 

Here is the Amazing Abby and our Super Luke. She did a phenomenal job preparing for Luke and took note of his interests, strengths, learning style and sensory needs.

It was a busy day, so this visual schedule helped.  (whole group, small group, individual therapies, art therapy,

Zumba and parent consults)

Individual speech sessions focused on speech, language and literacy goals twice a day.

And after a morning of camp, we played hard...taking in all of DC's museums and landmarks.

The Building Museum was a big hit with both my boys.

First day of CHAMP in DC was a success for our little superhero.

Testing and Touring

Thank goodness this kid is so cute. 

Here he is posing, styling and profiling like a little print model.

Escalator rides to and from the metro.

Refusing to sit and wanting to be a big guy, like his daddy.

Testing at George Washington University's Speech and Hearing Clinic the day before CHAMP camp starts 

Then we were off to spend the day at the zoo.

Up close and personal in the Ape House

Riding the carousel all by himself and meeting up with a fellow CHAMP friend from last year.

The seals were definitely THE highlight of the zoo trip for the boys...

And the highlight of the day for me....seeing these boys pick up right where they left off over a year ago.

GWU....We <3 You!

Luke was accepted to GWU CHAMP Camp and we couldn't be more excited.

 

 

 Last year, he was able to attend the first CHildhood Apraxia and Motor Planning Camp at GWU's Speech and Hearing Clinic in Washington, DC.

 

 

 

 

It was a great experience for Luke and for our family.

We met some friends, made some memories, and learned more about apraxia and motor planning issues in the parent education classes that were offered. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Can't wait to get back to DC and

"show off" all that Luke has accomplished this year

and hopefully see some of our friends from last year.

 

For more information about the GWU camp, please visit

http://departments.columbian.gwu.edu/speechhearing/sites/default/files/apraxia_summer_camp_2013_revised_2.pdf