Two weeks ago, I
attended what I consider to be the ultimate getaway for an autistic
person. A local organization, Kind Tree – Autism Rocks, stages an
annual three day camping trip on the Oregon coast. This was my fourth
year in attendance, and I don't plan on missing another in the
future.
There were roughly
240 people in attendance at this year's Autism Camp, including
seventy volunteers. Guests include people from all sections of the
autism spectrum, including self-diagnosed, as well as family members.
The volunteer staff is composed of autistic people, family members,
professionals, and anyone with an interest in contributing.
Once we're all
there, there is no line drawn between autistic and non-autistic. The
only line drawn is between guest and volunteer, and even that is
mostly just when the volunteers are on duty. Two years ago, one of
the board of directors of Kind Tree was told by a lifeguard at camp,
“I can't tell who's autistic and who's not!” She responded by
saying, “Good! That's the idea.” In my observation, even that
misses the point. The real point is “Who cares?” We're all
people, we're all individuals, and we're all there to have fun.
In fact, the core
tenants of the Autism Camp are safety and fun. The fun requirement is
filled with good food (three meals each day, and snacks available all
day), music almost everywhere you go, and a schedule packed full of
activities. Activities include arts & crafts, nature walks,
non-competitive sports and games, swimming, and performances. If
you're bored, it's because you're trying to be.
Of course, with all
of the activities there are, no one is required to participate in any
of them. If you want to spend the entire weekend reading or sitting
in your tent, there's nothing wrong with that. In fact, some people
do it that way. Again, it's all about having fun.
The safety aspect is
handled a little more carefully, without being overbearing. It's
mostly about presence. Of course, there are always lifeguards present
at the waterfront. In addition, there is also a group of volunteers
known as the vibe crew. There are always two to four of them on duty
at any given time. Their job is mainly to be there and ready to help
if it's needed. Otherwise, as long as everyone is being safe and
having fun, they just allow people to do what they're doing, without
interfering.
For an autistic
person, attending this camp, whether as a guest or as a volunteer,
should feel like coming home. The first time I attended was also the
first time I felt like I was part of the normal population, because
autistic is normal there. It was an amazing feeling that I've never
felt anywhere else. The now president of Kind Tree, who is also
autistic, has said of her first time that it felt like she had found
her tribe.
I believe this is
because autism is seen as something to celebrate. Autistic people are
not required or even encouraged to hide their traits. It is a weekend
to simply be yourself. A freedom that many on the spectrum do not
normally have.
It has been said
that everyone is autistic by the end of the event. I have noticed
that the neuronormal people in attendance do tend to absorb some of
the behaviors of those surrounding them. When people notice this,
they usually mention how good it felt. In fact, some of the first
time volunteers who have never had much exposure to the autism
community come away wondering if they might even be autistic as well.
There is one
specific story I would like to share. A woman who came with her
teenage son publicly read a part of a book that she is writing. Her
son had never known friendship when he was growing up. He had been
rejected by other children his age. She said that he had grown to
hate himself, and that he used to self-harm.
His first time
attending the Autism Camp, she was surprised to see him hanging out
and playing with other people. He had made friends. When they left,
he did not continue to engage in self-harming behavior. He had grown
to stop hating himself. Each year, he looks forward to seeing the
friends he made at camp.
Sadly, I don't think
this story is uncommon among a population that is repeatedly made to
feel inferior and defective. Each year, there are people that are
reluctant to leave camp because of a newfound sense of belonging and
a vastly improved self-image. Each year when I leave, I am grateful
that something like this exists.
If you like this
idea, but you don't have anything like it near you, I strongly
encourage you to create your own version of Kind Tree in your area.
It doesn't even need to be big.
Kind Tree was
started by two people that worked in a group home. They were
disgusted by the lack of activities provided for the residents, so
they decided to take some of them on a retreat for a day. As Kind
Tree was able to acquire more resources, that retreat gradually grew
into what it is today.
No matter what that
retreat has consisted of, the biggest thing that has always made it
work was that those in charge of it have always held a healthy
respect for the guests as fellow human beings. There has never been
any attempt to “fix” them or to alter their behavior. Instead,
the Autism Camp and all other Kind Tree events are times to be
yourself, no matter how weird, unusual, or silly that might be.
If you are
interested in taking part or starting your own, check out
www.kindtree.org.
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