When Cassidy first arrived at Easter Seals Camp at nine years old, she was nervous. Having been diagnosed with autism at age four, Cassidy had always experienced moments where communicating with others, navigating new situations, or feeling confident in herself could be challenging. Spending a week away from her family felt overwhelming at first, but once she arrived at camp, something changed. She found a place where she could be herself, try new things, and experience independence in a supportive environment.
For Cassidy’s family, sending her to camp for the first time came with uncertainty. They worried about how others would treat her, having seen her feel like “the odd person out” in other summer programs. Their hope was that camp would be a place where Cassidy could feel included and accepted. When they picked her up at the end of that first week, they saw a different side of her — a happy, confident camper who had made memories, built friendships, and discovered that she belonged. “We just wanted her to have some independence from us and come into her own,” her parent shared. “And she sure did.” 
Now thirty years old, Easter Seals Camp remains a place where Cassidy can discover and develop her strengths. One of her proudest accomplishments was becoming a Leader in Training, a role that helped her step outside her comfort zone and find her voice. “That was where I came out of my shell more and just began to speak up a lot more,” Cassidy shared. She embraced the opportunity to support others, help organize activities, and encourage campers who needed a friend. Her natural kindness and willingness to help others became some of her greatest strengths.
After aging into the adult program, she found new ways to contribute by becoming someone others could look up to. She wanted to be the person who helped guide others, comforted campers when they were having a difficult day, and made sure everyone felt welcome. Her family has seen how camp provides Cassidy with the opportunity to shine in ways she may not always get to in the outside world. “The best part is that the kids are themselves 100% and they don’t have to worry about society’s judgment,” her mother shared. “They could just be themselves… and when you see everything about them, they just shine.”
The confidence Cassidy gained at camp has continued to impact her life beyond the summer months. Through the skills she developed, the encouragement she received, and the belief she built in herself, Cassidy was able to take on new opportunities — including gaining employment as a maintenance person at a local grocery store. The leadership, communication, and independence she practiced at camp helped her recognize her abilities and understand the valuable contributions she can make. “I spend so much of my life doubting myself because people have made assumptions,” Cassidy shared. “But now I feel more confident in myself, and I don’t feel as nervous or feel like I’m different from other people.”
For Cassidy and her family, Easter Seals Camp is more than a summer experience, it’s a place where people with disabilities can discover their strengths, build confidence, and be celebrated for who they are. Her family hopes donors understand just how meaningful this opportunity is and the difference their support makes. “It is a place that I hope never goes away,” her mother shared. “There is no gift greater than seeing your child just be totally happy with no concerns.” Thanks to generous donors, campers like Cassidy have the opportunity to find belonging, embrace leadership, and continue growing into the people they are meant to be.
