'Will a summer camp for people with disabilities work in South Africa?' I was asked this a number of times when we started Higher Ground five years ago. My answer was, naturally, a resounding yes. It turns out I was right, though I had no basis for knowing that at the time! Well, in my opinion, summer camp (for people with disabilities) is even more effective here than it is in its country of origin. Compared to many other countries South Africa is doing well in its provision for people with disabilities but, compared to many others like the US and UK, we are far behind. For this reason I believe people respond extremely favourably to the camps we offer at Higher Ground and the benefits are huge. It is important to note, of course, that the intentions and outcomes of a camp for young adults with an intellectual impairment are quite different to that of a camp for adults who are blind or partially sighted. We are fresh out of an amazing camp for a group of young adults with intellectual impairments. I am therefore writing with that in my mind this newsletter. What an amazing camp it was! Especially for young adults, aged 18 – 30, with some form of intellectual impairment (many with down syndrome and one who had autism). I don't think I, or any of our wonderful volunteers, have been quite so bowled over, excited and refreshed by a camp in a while. Our campers had the time of their lives taking part in archery, obstacle course, foofie slide, raft building, music, campfire, talent show, quad biking with Wally (from The Ventures Group and Durban Umhlatuzana Rotary Club) and his family) and visiting the aviary and watching the 5 month old bush buck being bottle fed. The feedback from this camp has been amazing. Two excerpts from a letter received from a parent... 'There is no greater boost to a person's confidence to be challenged and stretched and found ABLE'...'Know too that it goes beyond the lives of the campers. You bring the greatest joy too to parents who have had to accept that their children will never 'succeed' as others do. For us to see our young adults at last being given opportunities they've never had before, to be part of something that challenges and inspires and where they're made to feel they matter is a gift without price.' Upcoming Camps 23 –25 October 2009 For the children of Cheshire Homes 28 Oct – 1 Nov 2009 For adults who are blind or partially sighted (in the Cape) 5 – 12 December 2009 For adults with an acquired brain injury 16 – 23 January 2010 For adults who are blind or partially sighted (KZN) What a gift... In September Higher Ground received an incredible donation to buy a new vehicle. “Chip” who has served us faithfully for the last few years was traded in and we now have a lovely nine seater Hyundai H1 to get campers and volunteers around. What a wonderful fifth birthday present! Thank You A very big thank you to the following supporters: The Grace Alice Baumann Trust The Victor Daitz Foundation The DT Hudson Charitable Trust Paw Paw Foundation Thank you also to our wonderful volunteers. You are amazing! Remember us As we head into the last part of the year and all of the busy-ness that comes with it, please remember Higher Ground. There are many ways you can help – visit us at camp; speak to your company and/or service organisation about having a presentation about Higher Ground; make a donation towards our work; talk to your friends about Higher Ground. Don't forget that Higher Ground is on Facebook (the group name is Higher Ground Camp), join us there! Thank you for your continued interest. If you have any queries you can contact us at HigherGroundSA@gmail.com or 072 039 0907. Our website is www.higherground.org.za. Till next time... Emma