Williams Syndrome Association of Ireland
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WSAI Music/Activity Camp - 2004 The
fourth annual Williams Syndrome Music/Activity camp was held in the Share
Holiday Village in Lisnaskea, Co Fermanagh from Sunday 8th August to
Sunday 15th August 2004. What a wonderful week we had once again! Who would have
thought that we would still be going strong in our fourth year! Staff at the
Share Village welcomed us again as friends and gave us terrific support and help
during the week. Campers, teachers and helpers all combined together to make the
week a memorable one for everyone. We
had a total of 12 campers this year including a camper from the UK. We had hoped
to have a camper from Scotland as well but, unfortunately, that did not work
out. Our campers from Holland and Italy returned to be with us again this summer
so we are becoming more international each year. Three extra Irish campers
completed the camper attendance. We were very lucky to have Sandra Meyer - our
good friend from Oklahoma, USA – return to teach piano for us. She had not
been able to join us in 2003 and we had really missed her! She is a wonderful
musician and, like all our teachers, empathises really well with Williams
Syndrome people. We also had our friend Dave from Dublin – guitarist
extraordinaire! – come visit us again this year. We are hoping to twist his
arm to get him to come teach for us for the full week next year! The
structure of the camp was similar to previous years with scheduled
music classes and group musical theatre in the mornings followed by the Share
Village activities in the afternoons. We had our usual nights of quality
entertainment during the week, of course. This year we had a “Night at the
Movies” during which our WS campers performed favourite songs from their
favourite movies. The venue was very aptly decorated with low lighting and
“casino” style layout. We were treated to “Superman” in person,
“Maria” from “The Sound of Music” in very good voice and a wonderful
group performance from the musical “Grease” as well as many other terrific
performances. Another night was filled with superb performances from the very
excellent teaching staff ably assisted by the helpers. We could not have a camp
at all without the voluntary commitment from the teachers and the helpers. We
are deeply indebted to them for their generosity. The week ended with a WS
Camper’s recital followed by an outstanding performance of “The Pirates of
Penzance” in full costume. It
was a huge achievement in just six days! We have found that the take up on the Share Village’s activity
programme is diminishing each year so we may look at extending the music
programme into the afternoon a little more in the coming years. This year we
included a drama class in the programme on offer and it was very successful. We
discovered a number of actors/actresses in our midst! We found it very useful in
preparing for the final night’s production, “The Pirates of Penzance”. We
are at present looking at the possibility of including a group
“song-writing” session as part of next year’s programme. Who knows – we
may produce our own music CD at some stage in the future! Wouldn’t that be
some achievement! A new aspect to the Music/Activity camp this year was our involvement
with two different research projects. Two research groups joined us from
England. One lady was doing research into music and Williams Syndrome for her
thesis for a Master of Arts Degree in music. She arrived to camp with her
husband on Thursday and stayed with us until the Sunday. She spent time with
each of our campers and, I think, both she and the campers enjoyed the
experience. The second researcher was a psychologist doing research into
hyperacusis in Williams Syndrome individuals for the Institute of Child Health
in England. She spent the whole week visiting with us and spent time with most
of the campers. We were very happy to facilitate these two research projects. We
had to book our week in the Share Holiday Village for next year’s camp before
we left there this year. It will take place from 17th to 24th
July 2005. Book your place early if you want to come! I discovered this year
that we are very limited in the number of places available to us at this
location. I think we will only be able to cater for a maximum of 15 – 18
campers depending on the boy/girl ratio of applications. When you consider that
we had 12 campers this year it does not leave us much room for expansion. If we
find that there is a big increase in applications we may look at changing the
venue for the following year but 2005 is now booked and will be limited in
numbers. This
year’s camp was, once again, a great success. I think the camp
provides a unique opportunity for our Williams Syndrome people to meet new
friends and interact with others in a secure and safe environment. It allows
them to grow emotionally and to further develop their social skills. I also
believe, as I have said before, that it is as much a learning experience for the
teachers and helpers as it is for the campers. New helpers and teachers were
introduced to the group this year and so the experience is broadened to widen
the circle of support for Williams Syndrome people. Long may it continue! Ann Breen |
Last modified: November 17, 2007 |
