Welcome to Bustin Barriers' inaugural newsletter!
We're pleased to share what's happening and what's to come.

Summer Camp

Here's to a super summer!

This week we've kicked off our summer camp program! We're offering 5 camps this summer at locations in SE, outer SE and SW Portland.  We believe all kids deserve the opportunity to be active and have fun. They deserve access to the world of sports and games, encouraged by trained volunteers and staff. Our athletes and coaches are heroes and we’re honoring them and their favorite heroes this summer. Maybe it’s a superhero famous in the movies or a friend or relative who is always there for you. Let’s celebrate them all and have some fun! Camp space is still available.

2019 Summer Camps

July 15th to 19th
Holy Family School (7425 SE Cesar Chavez Blvd/Ptld)

July 22nd to 26th
LaSalle High School (11999 SE Fuller Rd/Ptld)

July 29th to Aug. 2nd
Wilson High School (1151 SW Vermont/Ptld)

Aug. 12th to 16th
Holy Family School (7425 SE Cesar Chavez Blvd/Ptld)

Camp spaces are still available. Scholarships available. Register by clicking the button below!

Soccer

We have two soccer programs!

For the second year, we're offering Soccer Fall Ball with a focus on skill development. All abilities welcome! Players will learn soccer skills in an indoor soccer arena, with access to adapted equipment, coach support and the opportunity to enjoy soccer on the field, not from the sidelines. Soccer Fall Ball will take place at Oregon Soccer Center in Clackamas from September to December. Registration information comes out in August so please check our website: bustinbarriers.org for details.

Inaugural season of soccer Sunday respite is a wrap!

This spring we kicked off our other soccer program, building on the popularity of Soccer Fall Ball. Soccer Sunday Respite ran indoors on Sundays in May and June at Oregon Premier Futsal in Clackamas.  When soccer ended last December, both kids and parents wanted more. Knowing that parents and guardians often appreciate a little time for themselves, Soccer Sunday Respite offers soccer-related activities and games for kids experiencing disability and their siblings while their parents have some time to grab a coffee, visit a friend or just kick back. Watch for more information on next year’s program toward the end of the year.

Fast Facts

• 230 kids participated in a BB Program in 2018!
   
• Many did multiple programs!
   
• Last summer, teen coaches volunteered 734 hours at camp!
   
• Our coaching team is made up of youth experiencing disabilities and their non-disabled peers working alongside one another!

Volunteer Profile

Meet Mila - she is a former camper and second year coach

Why do you volunteer with Bustin Barriers?

I went to Bustin Barriers when I was younger and it helped me become more confident and it was fun. I want to help kids like I was helped by this camp.

What have you learned from volunteering at Bustin Barriers’ camps?

I learned that you have to do one thing: Be yourself.

What is your favorite camp activity?

My favorite activity is playing Duck, Duck, Goose.

What suggestions do you have for campers and other volunteers?

Don’t be shy and be prepared to have fun.

What is one of your favorite interests outside of Bustin Barriers?

My favorite interest outside of camp is music – I like singing and dancing to it. K-pop is my favorite right now.

Is there something you wish you would had done when you were younger? If so, what is it?

Not worry about what other people think, be less shy and have an open mind to meet new people and try new things.

How You Can Help

• Tell a kid/family that can benefit from Bustin Barriers about camp. Slots and scholarships still available.
   
• Volunteer
   
• Make a donation to support a camper. Use our website secure donation portal - bustinbarriers.org
   
• Focus on abilities. Bust the barriers of doubt, misperception and fear – for individuals and the community at large. We can do it!