There’s a First Time for Everything at Quest’s Camp Thunderbird
Everybody remembers a special first experience. The first time riding a bike. The first time speaking in front of a crowd. The first time accomplishing something you weren’t sure you could do. At Quest’s Camp Thunderbird, creating those opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities is part of the mission.
A Summer of Firsts
Across eight week-long camp sessions this summer, special firsts were part of each day. For some guests, it happened on day one, when they spent their first night away from home. For others, it came later in the week, during an activity they never expected to enjoy. Whenever it happened, those moments often had less to do with the activity and more to do with what it revealed.
For one guest, that realization happened at the pool. Daniella had spent much of the summer unsure if she wanted to get in. With encouragement from camp staff, that changed.
“I loved seeing her so happy when she got in, because originally she was saying that she didn’t want to go in when we were back at the cabin,” says counselor Josephine Phelvin. “We were able to encourage her to get in for the first time this summer, and it was just something really special.”
The Joy of Doing Something for the First Time
The pool wasn’t the only place camp guests surprised themselves. They participated in archery, held alligators and some appeared on the news. Other moments of personal growth unfolded more quietly.
Camp counselor Aine Crossan remembers one guest whose mother described him as shy in new environments. For the first few days of camp, that proved true. But midway through the week, she noticed a shift.
“He said a full sentence to me, and I was so happy for him,” Aine says. “I could tell he was happy. He was smiling the rest of the day. It made me feel good that he felt comfortable enough with me to speak.”
Camp counselors experienced firsts as well. For counselor Gracie Flynn, that growth began with a leap of faith. She traveled from the United Kingdom, having never visited the United States or worked at a summer camp. What started as a search for something fun became a summer full of discovery.
“This was fun, exciting and different. First experiences mold you into the person you want to be, and I’ve just learned so much,” Flynn says.
Realizing What You’re Capable Of
After the Camp Thunderbird season comes to an end, guests return home with photos, crafts and memories. But the most meaningful thing they’ll take with them is the confidence that comes from trying something for the first time and realizing they’re capable of more than they imagined.
