Memories of Wonderland Camp

Do you have one special place that makes you feel so carefree, the one magical place that you always think about with a smile? Out of all the places that I’ve been to in my life, Wonderland Camp at the Lake of the Ozarks is my favorite place to go. It is a summer camp for people of all ages with physical and mental disabilities and it is the place where I feel like I can do anything. It’s truly my escape from the everyday and I love it. I can’t imagine summer without it.1

I have cerebral palsy and because of this disability, my limbs don’t work so well and I use a wheelchair and my speech is very slurred. It’s sometimes difficult for me to do everyday things, but even though I need help, my mind still works and I can understand the world around me. Unfortunately, most people see me and don’t look beyond my disability. They often think that I’m unintelligent and weak and they ignore me or tease me, but at Wonderland Camp, everyone is respected and accepted for who they are.2

I’ve been going to Wonderland for ten years now. Throughout the years, I have memorized every detail of the camp and closing my eyes and I can always make a vivid picture of it in my mind. There is a winding path in the woods that leads to the waterfront, and sitting on the dock, the large and beautiful lake looks like a dazzling postcard scene. Driving my electric wheelchair quickly over the gravel road, I can feel the bumps underneath my wheels and my stomach always does flip-flops like I’m on a rollercoaster. I can also smell the chlorine from the poor and the sweetness from the trees. The loud buzz of the busy dinning hall during meals always rings in my ears, and the infectious laughter of other campers is always all around me as well.3

All the counselors and the volunteers are always so nice and understanding, and they go to great lengths to make sure that all the campers have the time of their lives. Everyone has a chance to have fun, no matter what. Campers can do anything that they want and no one is left out. Saying “I can’t” isn’t allowed and being ‘different’ is cool. 4

I still remember when I sang in the camp’s talent show for the first time. I usually didn’t sing in public because I was so insecure about my speech. I thought that people would laugh at me, but my friends encouraged me to be in the show anyway. I decided to sing “Stronger“ by Britney Spears because I was such a big Britney fan at the time and I liked the empowering lyrics. Getting in front of everybody, I was terrified at first. My whole body was quivering and I could barely breathe, but once I saw everyone clapping and singing with me, I became more confident and had a blast. I sang loudly and danced in my chair like I was an actual pop star. After I was finished, everyone gave me a standing ovation and I was so proud of myself. That was such an incredible moment for me. I wasn’t so scared to sing in front of people anymore and I’ve been in every show ever since then. 5

Wonderland has became my second home over the years. It’s the place where I have so many friends that understand me and where so many unforgettable memories are always made. I’m not just ‘the disabled girl‘ when I‘m there, I’m a girl with a mind and a voice. I’m so happy that there is a place like Wonderland Camp around and there are people that are so willing to help others. 6