Special Needs Activity Program

These last couple of months I have been truly blessed to have been able to help with the Special Needs Activity Program (SNAP).  What this means is that every Thursday from 7 p.m. to about 8:30 p.m. I would meet with other counselors and we would have various activities with people with special needs.  It was one of the greatest things I've been privileged to do, and I learned so very much from them. Here are some of the things I learned.

First, they were so accepting of absolutely everyone. It didn't take long until they would come running up to me, giving me a huge hug and sometimes a kiss on the cheek. It didn't matter what you looked like. It didn't matter whether your life was perfect or a total mess. They loved you anyway. In fact, every time I would go to SNAP, Kathy, one of the girls I worked with, would tell me I looked so good. She told me that whether I had literally rolled out of bed that morning for work or I had put in the minimum effort possible.

Second, they appreciated the simple things in life. They were always so happy. I wish I could show you the pure joy I saw on their faces when they made something or when they were chosen to help out with some activity.

Third, they loved to help! They always wanted to be involved and they wanted to help everyone out. One week I was in charge of a ring toss game and so I spent a lot of time gathering up the rings to hand to the next person in line. Well, it wasn't long before so many people were there helping me find the rings, pick them up, and hand them to the next person in line.

Forth, they weren't afraid to show their talents. We had a talent show for an activity one week and it was incredible to see the amount of special needs people who got up to dance, sing, tell jokes, or play the ukulele. And it didn't matter if they were off key. It didn't matter if they fell down while dancing. They loved it. And while they were watching each other, they didn't make fun of each other if the person performing messed up and wasn't perfect. They cheered for everyone.

While working with these incredible people it made me wish that we could be more like them. I wished people could be more accepting, happier, more helpful, and less judgmental.

This is Kathy, she has beautiful smile!

Counselor Libby and Marlana.
Marlana played the ukulele for us all the time!

Toni has one of the greatest laughs I've ever heard.

Me and Alex.
She has one of the greatest Griffyndor scarfs!

I couldn't get Kathy to hold still for another picture.

Go out and make the world a little better.