Camp ROBIN: Wellness Story #10

Special Needs Drum Camp

One of my FAVORITE quarterly gigs is providing drum circles for Camp R.O.B.I.N., of old Bridge, New Jersey. There is not a time that I present there were I don’t look forward to it, and there is not a time when I don’t feel incredibly uplifted after presenting. I simply love this organization and this group.

I originally got introduced to Camp R.O.B.I.N. through a contact of mine named Janice Pennington who hires me to facilitate drum groups at Camp Daisy of East Brunswick, New Jersey. I’m from East Brunswick, so it’s a wonderful honor to serve those in need in my own home town. Janice had set me up for a session at Camp R.O.B.I.N. and when we did the event it was a great success!! The group was amazing and interactive. The enthusiasm palpable, and the energy undeniable. I recognized a lot of the individuals in the group from other special needs / autism centered community groups, but also several from around town. A man named Jeffrey I have seen working at the local Shop Rite since I was very young was is one of the regulars at Camp R.O.B.I.N.

Usually I do events once per season, and they are a one night happening divided into one or two groups, but I also do two day, four groups per day summer camp groups. The attendees range from as young as like sever or so years old, all the way up to people who are in their mid-life, and each group is broken down by age group. It’s a wonderful mix of people, and they are AMAZING drummers. They get excited about the events and best of all, many of them anticipate my arrive and greet me with fist bumps, hugs, and handshakes. They make me feel so wholly welcomed and wanted. It’s fantastic.

I’ve been working with Camp R.O.B.I.N. for about four years now, and they welcome me back each season, and for that.. I am SO grateful. I really do cherish this gig and I look forward to each one, each time. The facility is impressive, with it’s large activity rooms, full kitchen, outdoor activity areas, and accommodating parking lot. Old Bridge township really has a gem in this place.

Reflections

When I look back on my career thus far working with the special needs communities, Camp R.O.B.I.N. is a highlight. I really couldn’t ask for more in a gig. The staff is really hands on, with the utmost positive vibes and guidance of the groups. Everything runs smoothly and on time which always impresses me when considering how large the community is as well as the fact that all of the people fall somewhere within the spectrum of Autism, physical disability, or developmental delay. I say this next thing with total humor, but it’s been my experience that managing and directing nearly 100 special needs individuals all at once can be very much like herding cats. That’s what impresses me about the managers and group leaders; they do a magnificent job of keeping things flowing.

Lastly, and most importantly, what matters is that everyone has fun. I have fun, the staff has fun, and the community has fun. It’s clear as day at every event; we all value each other. They value my offerings, and I value their energy and enthusiasm. It’s 100% symbiotic.

Thanks for reading, and till next time,

Be Well

If Your Are Interested In Learning More ABout Camp R.O.B.I.N Please Visit: http://www.oldbridge.com/camprobin