Successful Summer Camps and an Autumn Art Event

Fall 2022 Newsletter

Together Again

Kids just ‘wanna have fun. It’s true. Over the pandemic much has been written about the kids’ pent-up need to be active and to interact with others. Over the summer, we witnessed the joyous reunion of campers and coaches, the gathering of old friends and making of new ones. There was laughter, games and sheer fun.

Bustin’ Barriers did things a bit differently this summer. Instead of 4 camps which included participants from 5-21, we offered eight camps (2 sessions per day, based upon age) over a 4-week period. Daily there were both K-5 and middle school-transition program sessions. Camps were staffed by excellent volunteers and lead coaches who supported and encouraged campers and were equally awed by campers’ enthusiasm and sense of fun. Games were played outside and in the gym; campers ran, walked or awesomely maneuvered a power-chair as they participated. Friendships were made – many of which continue after camp. In total, Bustin’ Barriers filled 90 camp slots and benefitted from 1,099 hours of service from volunteers.

Cool Maneuvers on Very Hot Days

If you were in Portland this summer, you know there were some HOT days! Campers were inside the gym with fans blowing and had access to an air-conditioned space. There were misters outside and water games that campers and coaches played to stay cool. Along with sunscreen and a water-bottle, campers also brought a towel in their backpacks just in case some water splashed on them.

Everybody Dance Now

Earlier in the year, one of Bustin’ Barriers’ board members, whose daughter experiences a disability, encouraged the organization to develop social opportunities for kids to get together in a relaxed chaperoned environment. Following camp, BB introduced its first Annual End of Summer Dance. Targeted for high school and transition age participants, this year’s dance occurred on the evening of August 20^th at Holy Family School and drew an enthusiastic crowd. Dressed up - coaches, campers and teens experiencing disability who learned about the dance via BB’s website came together to party. After receiving an e-blast about the End of Summer dance, the older sister of a participant emailed us to say, “Thank you for doing all this cool stuff.” This was just the first dance … there will be more to come.

Bustin Barriers appreciates your interest and support. 

​Thank you!

If you know of a child experiencing disability who would enjoy participating in a Bustin' Barriers' program, please share information about our organization with them and their families.