Field Placement Presentation

Melissa Homakie

Cran-Hill Ranch

~Valentines Winter Retreat~

Exceptional Child

Spring Semester 2002

Cran-Hill RanchCran-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

Initial ReactionsBefore the campers came:

What’s going on? Nervousness

Once the campers came:What loving people!

ChallengingExcitement

Personal Goals• Develop love and compassion

for those with special needs

• Experience and Understanding

• Be energetic, patient,and loving

• Develop Relationships

ActivitiesIndoor Activities Meals Carnival Valentine’s Crafts Singing/Devotional Time Talent Show

Outdoor Activities Hayride Pony Rides Hike

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

Stories

• Ron

• Talent Show

• Dance Party

• Mardi and Emily

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

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.”

Article from Professional Journal

“Happy Camping”Author: Jacqueline Gieri

Source: The Exceptional ParentV. 31 no 3March 2001Pg. 46-49

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

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/)

Conclusion

Feel thankful/privileged for the opportunity

Great learning experience

Challenging and rewarding

Feel blessed by the campers

Had a great time!