1. Field Placement Presentation Melissa Homakie Cran-Hill Ranch ~Valentines Winter Retreat~ Exceptional Child Spring Semester 2002

2. Cran-Hill Ranch  Weekend Retreat for Mentally Impaired Adults – Feb. 15-17, 2002  Rodney, Michigan  Main Lodge  Tim Hertlzer- Supervisor/Program Director  Previous Summer Camp Staff

3. Initial Reactions Before the campers came:  What’s going on?  Nervousness Once the campers came:  What loving people!  Challenging  Excitement

4. Personal Goals Develop love and compassion for those with special needs Experience and Understanding Be energetic, patient,and loving Develop Relationships

5. Activities Indoor Activities  Meals  Carnival  Valentine’s Crafts  Singing/Devotional Time  Talent Show Outdoor Activities  Hayride  Pony Rides  Hike

6. My Responsibilities Enthusiastically participate in all activities/ be an example Be a friend Help in kitchen if needed Be a 24/7 help to all the campers

7. Stories Ron Talent Show Dance Party Mardi and Emily

8.  Gained appreciation for people with special needs: ~ Wonderful people ~ Find joy in little things ~ Unabashed  Priority Check  Patience Things I couldn’t learn in books ~ Give love and friendship unconditionally What I Learned

9. Text Connections Students with mental retardation -- Pg. 219 Four Major Concepts Intellectual Functioning - substantial limitations Adaptive Behavior - also have significant limitations in adaptive skills or behavior Developmental period - develop before age 18 Systems of Support - services and accommodations Pg. 242 “Hands-on activities and opportunities for functional practice are important.”

10. Article from Professional Journal “Happy Camping” Author: Jacqueline Gieri Source: The Exceptional Parent V. 31 no 3 March 2001 Pg. 46-49

11. Summary of Article Benefits of camp experience for children and adults with disabilities  Expand horizons  Test their abilities and develop confidence in them  Gain self-esteem  Gain independence  Feel like everybody else  New social circle

12. World Wide Web Information http://www.cranhillranch.com/friendshipcamp.htm http://www.westminsterwoods.org/friendship_camp.htm Information on Friendship Camp at Cran-Hill Ranch and another similar camp and information about the camps in general (Or http://www.cranhillranch.com/)http://www.cranhillranch.com/

13. Conclusion  Feel thankful/privileged for the opportunity  Great learning experience  Challenging and rewarding  Feel blessed by the campers  Had a great time!