Finding His Place

Ethan and his mom Cathy.

Do you remember starting school? It is an exciting time, but it can also be scary. Imagine you are five years old and away from your family in a big new school with hundreds of new kids and adults.

It can be overwhelming and difficult to find your place. That is what it was like for Ethan when he started kindergarten.

He cried every day, telling his heartbroken mom Cathy that he did not want to be there. She and the school struggled to help him feel comfortable and safe in this new place.

Luckily, Ethan’s mom learned about our free summer camp. Ethan was willing to try it because it was at his school where he felt safe. Plus, some of his friends and teachers would be there, too.

Just a few days into the six-week summer camp, Ethan was hopping out of the car each morning with a huge smile. Because the summer camp focuses on providing opportunities for children to grow emotionally and learn skills that can help them feel more independent and self-confident, Ethan was making friends and feeling happy — he had found his place!

By the time he started first grade in the fall, he rushed out of the car and into the school building without hesitation. No crying or fear.

Ethan now loves going to school and takes pride in showing new students around and having tons of friends. His mom says it was because of the ARF summer camp that things changed and he continues to grow academically and emotionally year after year.

She says it was the ARF teachers that helped him grow. “I couldn’t ask for a better group of caring adults to be there for my child and give him the support he needs.”