Alia was 12 years old when she first arrived at Easter Seals Camp Winfield. Now 17 and in high school, she has grown into a confident teenager who looks forward to camp each year with excitement. Alia loves books, music, and art, especially Japanese art and pop culture. The highlight of her year is spending a week at camp, which has become one of the few places where she can simply be herself, surrounded by laughter, friendships, and experiences that feel completely her own.
Alia was born with a rare chromosomal duplication and is diagnosed with autism. She requires ongoing support in her daily life, so when the idea of an overnight summer camp first came up, her family found it difficult to imagine putting her care into the hands of others. Letting go, even for a short time, felt overwhelming. That uncertainty slowly turned into trust and relief as they were introduced to camp staff and programming through New Camper Camp.
Today, that trust is unwavering. “I leave her there and I just feel like she is so safe,” says her mom, Amy. “It doesn’t even cross my mind that something could go wrong.” Looking back on those early concerns, Amy reflects, “At first we weren’t sure if camp was something we could do, and now it’s something our whole family looks forward to.”
At camp, Alia loves the water slide, cabin sleepovers, and the talent show, where she proudly remembers dancing dressed as a butterfly. Beyond the fun, camp helps her build independence. Away from her parents, she has opportunities to manage her own routines, get her own meals, and take her medication. “She gets independence, and we get a break, while knowing she’s having this incredible experience,” Amy shares.
The growth Alia experiences at camp is evident when she returns home each summer. “Coming back from camp, she’s exhausted, she’s so happy, and she’s just done all these things on her own,” says Amy. For her family, those moments are a powerful reminder of how capable she is and how much she continues to grow.
Alia’s experiences at Easter Seals Camp are helping her family look toward the future with hope. Their dream is for Alia to one day have a job, helping with tasks like cleaning or household work, and to live as independently as possible in a suite within their home. Camp plays a meaningful role in building the skills, confidence, and self-reliance that make those goals feel achievable.
“There’s really no way to fully put into words how meaningful it is to know she’s safe, supported, and happy,” Amy says.
Because of donor support, families like Alia’s can imagine a future filled with opportunity, dignity, and pride, and young people like Alia can keep taking steps toward a fulfilling and independent life.
