New AuSM Camp Hand in Hand counselor experiences magic of camp and community

Abby Price, a graduate student in the Child Life Graduate Program at Edgewood College in Madison, Wis., realized a need to step outside the classroom and into a practical environment where she could learn and directly support people with disabilities.

She didn’t know that her new “classroom” would include a comfortable cabin set on a beautiful lake in northern Minnesota.

Price was recruited by Caitlin Malin, a Camp Knutson Program Director, who spoke to her graduate class about the value of spending the summer at Camp Knutson in Crosslake, Minn. to experience different weeks of camp, working with individuals with various diagnoses. As a full-time student, Price couldn’t commit to an entire summer away; however, she figured she could spend a week at the Autism Society of Minnesota’s (AuSM) Camp Hand in Hand, a camp that serves teens and adults with autism with a one-to-one staff-to-camper ratio.

Comfortable with her background working with children with autism and having a desire to learn more about adolescents with autism, Price signed up to be a counselor during the first week of Camp Hand in Hand, June 27-July 2, 2021, which served individuals of all genders, ages 14-20.

Traveling to Minnesota with a fellow classmate who also was new to Camp Hand in Hand, Price was not sure what to expect. She hoped taking a week away from her schoolwork would be worth it.

“I chose to be a camp counselor to put myself out of my comfort zone, broaden my skills, and experience something new,” Price said. “I’m so glad I did because it was one of the most eye-opening experiences yet.”

Price was assigned to spend the week with a camper named Max, who has had nearly 10 years of experience as a Hand in Hand camper. Max was eager to initiate Price into the Camp Knutson environment.

“I told Max that he was going to have to show me the ropes, which was very exciting for him,” Price said. “I could tell that camp was a special place for him.”

Price and Max got along quickly, and their connection evolved into friendship. Realizing the positive impact Camp Hand in Hand has had on Max, Price noted that his humor, curiosity for life, and infectious smile contributed to amazing memories and a week that flew by more quickly than she thought it would.

“One of my favorite memories was doing yoga with Max by the flagpole overlooking the lake,” Price recalled. “Max mentioned that he liked yoga, and I love yoga. I facilitated a little vinyasa flow for us to do one afternoon and after that, he asked to do yoga every evening instead of riding bikes. Finding a common interest strengthened our bond.”

Camp Knutson’s location and well-cared for grounds provided a great setting for staff and camper friendship building. Price enjoyed the accommodations, noting that the cabins were up-to-date, tidy, and homey and the food was plentiful and good. The camp was full of activities and fun.

“Waterfront was a favorite activity for most of the campers as well as the counselors,” Price said. “The boats, tubing, kayaking, and swimming allowed campers to do things that they may have been told that they aren’t capable of – or may have been experiencing for the first time. I could tell that waterfront was a special time for many campers.”

Though Hand in Hand is a one-to-one camp for our campers, counselors, program staff, and directors also support each other throughout the week, working together as a team to provide the best week possible for campers.

“Fellow counselors, program staff, and directors made camp such a welcoming and loving environment,” Price said. “The support and friendships made throughout the week made this experience even more enjoyable.”

Becoming a Camp Hand in Hand counselor changed Price’s perspective in a big way. After previously working with children with autism in clinical settings, getting experience with campers in the camp environment opened Price’s eyes to more everyday experiences.

“Having a diagnosis can set limitations on life, but when campers are at camp, they are reminded that they are capable of anything that they set their minds to. There are no limitations to their abilities at camp. They can be their true selves, have confidence in themselves, and be surrounded by others who support them and want them to feel the best version of themselves.”

Price encourages those who may hesitate to sign up as AuSM Camp counselors in future summers to turn that hesitation into a “yes.”

“I had no previous camp experience going into this summer, but I’ve always heard how magical and special camp is for others who have experienced it,” Price said. “Once you experience camp, especially Camp Hand in Hand, it becomes infectious. You want to come back, you want to be a part of these campers’ favorite week of the year, and you want to be a part of why their week at camp was a special one.”