Camp builds self esteem for kids with learning disabilities
By Courtney MacKay
The Nashua Telegraph
September 3, 2009

Camp Vision, a camp in Keene for children with learning disabilities, was the perfect place for a small group of students to get together in a comfortable learning environment this summer.

“You understand that everybody has little problems,” said Tierney Thompson, 11. “You might not be good at math, but you're good at spelling.”

Thompson, who has dyslexia, was one of 11 others who spent Aug. 17-21 at Keene State College at camp catered to children with learning disabilities, teaching them about self esteem, self advocacy and metacognition.

Some of the activities the campers were involved in included creating a superhero costume that had the power to fix one of their weaknesses, team building games and an independent learning experiment, where each student had to research a subject of their choice and put together a presentation for their graduation.

“Disability is not something they should be afraid about,” said Amber Bergeron, 24, a Nashua native and founder of Camp Vision. “When they leave (the camp), they are in it together.”

The most of the mentors at Camp Vision have learning disabilities, which helps the campers feel more comfortable. Co-founder Marcus Soutra, 25, has dyslexia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD; Alex Connell, 21, has dyslexia, ADHD and auditory processing; Shena Vagliano, 21, has ADHD, and Julie Upton, 21, has ADHD.

On the first day of camp, the campers and mentors shared what their learning disability they have. Vagliano told her campers that she had ADHD and was even high-fived for it.

“You don't get that everywhere,” she said. “It's awesome that it's not hidden.”

During the week, the campers were expected to finish 10 assignments or crafts, but they were also free to switch gears and have fun. It was a no-pressure learning environment.

“I know I learned a lot,” said Joe Russell, 12, who has dyslexia. “All the staff of Camp Vision are very fun.”

The majority of the campers even admitted that their favorite thing they did at camp was the independent learning experiment.

“We don't really try to keep them focused,” Bergeron said. “When they're interested in what they are doing, they'll be focused.”

Bergeron, who graduated from Bishop Guertin in 2003 and Keene State in 2007, started the camp three years ago with her boyfriend, Soutra, while still attending Keene State College. Bergeron and Soutra, living in Brooklyn, N.Y., have returned to Keene every year to run Camp Vision.

This year, they also held a week long camp in Geneva, N.Y.

“They hate school, all of them,” Soutra said with a smile. “I think this is the best week we've ever had.”

Along with Bergeron, Soutra is in the process of starting a camp in San Francisco next summer.

“Camp Vision is not like any other camp,” said camper Colby Brosnahan, 12, who has dyslexia and ADHD. “It helps you with your learning disability, and you just get to have fun.”

Bergeron and Soutra were able to run Camp Vision thanks to Project Eye to Eye National, a nonprofit mentoring program run by and for students with learning disabilities; the continuing education department at Keene State College; and scholarships the campers are often provided through the community.

Project Eye to Eye and Camp Vision are always looking for donations to help fund camps and other programs. For more information on the program and to donate, contact Soutra at marcus_soutra@projecteyetoeye.org or visit projecteyetoeye.org.

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