Springing Toward Summer Activities

Spring 2023 Newsletter

It’s April already! 

Spring is upon us and we’re planning for summer camps and a teen/young adult dance. But… before we begin, here’s the scoop on what’s been happening up to now.

Basketball Competition Returned!

In February, middle, high school and transition program athletes returned to the court for adapted basketball tournaments that were on hold during the pandemic.  Teams from Portland Public Schools, Park Rose, David Douglas and Centennial School Districts gathered at Cleveland High School to play ball – 141 athletes in all! Pent-up exuberance and excitement were evident over two days of tournaments.

Athletes of all abilities played.  They ran, made their way down the court with crutches, in wheelchairs or assisted. Whether the hoop was adapted or standard, each basket elicited pride and excitement – for the athletes and their teams.  Student volunteers welcomed teams, provided play by play commentary, assisted athletes and did a bit of competitive cheerleading. The last tournament day was February 22nd (now infamous for a snowstorm). B-ball action ended an hour before snowflakes began falling. It may have been cold outside but the action inside the gym was hot!

Return of Respite

Another program back on the docket is Bustin’ Barriers’ respite program. After its pandemic hiatus, the program resumed on March 11th and continues through the end of April. The venue is Oregon Premier Futsal, in Clackamas, which is providing space for indoor soccer, gym-type games (including a basketball hoop) and an area for art projects and quiet games. The three-hour Saturday morning program is providing a safe place for kids to have fun. We hope it also provides parents and guardians a bit of time for themselves – to grab a latte, run an errand or take a nap. We are heartened by a note from a respite mom: “… a quick note to let you know just how much my daughter has been enjoying her time at respite. She talks about Bustin’ Barriers all week and can’t wait to go each Saturday. Thank you for providing such a rich, fun, nurturing time for her.” (M. Rissmiller)

Everybody Dance Now!

Having the opportunity to socialize and just hang-out in a supportive environment is a big deal for many teens and young adults experiencing disability. BB offered its first dance last summer and we’re ready for another one in May. This year we’re making the dance (optionally) formal. Participants can dress up and show their stuff!  Last summer we offered the dance for high school and transition program young adults but had attendance requests from some middle schoolers too. This year’s dance is open to teens and young adults… and, if you have a middle schooler about to enter 9th grade in the fall (or one whose just ‘gotta dance), this might be a party you don’t want to miss. Detailed information will be sent out in the coming weeks.

Summer Camp

We’re planning for summer camp now and will offer two sessions per day, based upon age, again this year in July and August. We’re always grateful to have volunteer peer coaches who bond with campers -making their mutual experience fun and meaningful. Camper/coach relationships often carry over to other programs. One camper last summer was quite hesitant to participate in activities and then he began bonding with one of BB’s experienced volunteers. When this camper saw his coach friend at Saturday respite, his face lit-up and a smile graced his face from ear to ear. In addition, he was fully engaged in activities. A barrier was busted! 

Our 2023 camps will run in July and August at Holy Family School in SE Portland and we are also working to develop a camp in the Woodburn area that can draw from outlying suburbs as well. Flyers, registration materials and e-blasts will be ready to go the week of April 24th.

We look forward to creating new memories and pictures.

Can You Help Us Bust Some Barriers?

(Yep, we’ve got ‘em too)
Prior to the pandemic but especially evident since, finding venues for Bustin’ Barriers activities is challenging. This has been true all-over but most noticeable in SW Portland, which draws campers from the westside and down I-5. A number of factors contribute to this challenge: unavailability of previous sites, schools using their space for summer remedial programs and high rental costs.  

Are you aware of space in your area that may be available and amenable for a Bustin’ Barriers camp? Criteria we need: 

• a gym

• outdoor area for games and running (swings, slides and a basketball hoop, would be great!) 

• easy access for campers in wheelchairs, walkers, et al 

• a reasonable fee. Free is best but a weekly charge that will not force us to raise tuition or become dependent upon grant funds to offer our program. 

• Most important – venues that welcome kids experiencing disability who just ‘wanna have fun like any other youth. Thanks.

We end this newsletter with a sweet video – the fun and care amongst athletes at BB’s 2023 adapted basketball tournament. Enjoy.

Interested in donating to Bustin Barriers? 
Click here.