Family Retreat offers relaxation and thrills
In 1967, 17-year-old Joni Eareckson Tada became a quadriplegic confined to a wheelchair due to a diving accident.
Instead of sitting idly by, she turned her disability into an ability and founded the non-profit organization, Joni and Friends, in 1979.
Today, Joni and Friends’ mission, according to their website, is “to communicate the gospel and equip Christ-honoring churches worldwide to evangelize and disciple people affected by disabilities.”
It was back in 1991 when Joni and Friends decided to create a relaxing environment for these families in the form of family retreats.
“You know what I hear most from the families is they never get a break. The disabilities have them going 24/7,” said Eareckson Tada via video.
This summer, Jumonville will host one of 27 family retreats held from July 30 to Aug. 3.
The family retreats offer a secure and accepting environment where families can have fun together. During the week-long camp, children and youth can enjoy thrilling age-appropriate crafts and recreational opportunities.
According to the Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, “Eighteen percent of US children less than 18 years old in 1994, or 12.6 million children nationally, had a chronic physical, developmental, behavioral or emotional condition and required health and related services of a type or amount beyond that required by children generally.”
“We handle all sorts of disabilities,” said Calvin Clark, a volunteer with Joni and Friends, during the March meeting of Fayette County Local Interagency Coordination Council (LICC).
Each young camper is partnered with a Short Term Missionary (STM) that will provide support for the family and will become a new friend. The STM will also allow the parents to enjoy free-time activities, including Christ-centered worship, teaching and practical seminars that discuss family life and issues concerning life with a disability.
“We (the volunteers) are highly motivated to serve individuals in a unique way; and that is to celebrate them,” said Clark. “They (campers) are known, they are loved and they are celebrated.”
While the STMs can offer valuable services as a friend, mentor and assistant to the family, they cannot provide medical services. However, there is medical staff on hand in case of emergencies.
While the campers with disabilities receive individual attention, the family retreat staff wants to make sure everyone feels special.
“This is a family camp, not a respite camp. We will assign a person to the siblings if needed. We are very interested in helping the siblings,” said Clark.
Campers of all abilities will have the opportunity to partake in various activities, including motorcycle rides throughout the camp, a carnival sponsored by a local church, a talent show and more.
“A number of people comment it was the first time they have been in the woods,” said Clark.
Although there is a fee for families to attend the camp, there is a scholarship program in place that can help defray the cost.
“We have a very strong scholarship program,” said Clark. “We don’t turn anyone away for cost reasons.”
Even though Joni and Friends wants families to have fun while they are at the retreat, they hope they take away something more.
“There are two distinct sides of what we do. We want to allow people to dream big and accomplish things they never thought they could do. We also know that camp is about respite and just settling in and building relationships,” said Clark.
The camps can usually accommodate up to 36 families depending on family configuration, and have a tendency to fill up quickly. Anyone interested in participating in a family retreat should sign up soon.
For more information about the Southwestern Pennsylvania family retreat at Jumonville, call 724-678-6390 or go online to www.joniandfriends.org/family-retreats.