Camp Hawkins and Book Reports

I completely crashed today!  Do you ever have days where you just decompress?  That was my day.  I am fully aware that I am probably the only teacher that hasn't set my classroom up yet, but I just couldn't go.  I woke up at 7:30 and started getting ready at 8:30... at 9:30, I was still just sitting around and by 10:00 I decided that a lazy day would be nice.  Last week was great, but 15 hour days wore me out.  I still don't care if I see tennis shoes for a week, a month, or never again.  Just kidding!  However, I have to admit I seriously never realized though how much I hate having my toes closed in by shoes.  Croc flip flops have NEVER felt so good!

So, what was I doing last week?  I spent the week working at a camp for kids with special needs called Camp Hawkins.  I have tried and tried to figure out how to put into words just how incredible the week was, but there just aren't words to describe every second.

How do you describe the feeling of seeing a young 14 year old kid show another 14 year old kid how to throw a football?  He literally took his hand and lined his fingers up on the laces and coached him.  How do you explain what it feels like to watch a 19 year old that is paralyzed be lifted from his chair and put in a go cart and driven around a track.  What can I say to help you understand how your heart feels after watching 25 kids perform at a talent show?  Each of them had their own talent.  Whether it was painting a bird house or listening to the next Billy Graham sing, you couldn't help but watch in awe.

Here's what I learned last week.  Everyone that says that kids with special needs are different, well they are right.  The 25 kids we worked with smiled all day, were hilarious, worked hard, never complained, showed no fear, were willing to do anything including a messy meal (eating spaghetti and salad with their hands), bumper cars, and getting on stage to perform.  To top it off, they didn't get upset if they lost and they didn't brag when they won.  They cheered for each other and even more than that, they were confident in who they were.  So, yes, the boys were different.  They are better than all of us.  They are more trusting, passionate, caring, and sure of themselves.

I don't know how much of a difference I made to them, but they definitely made a difference to me.

Now that I've told you a little about my trip, here's my newest book report freebie.  Hope you guys can use it.  I made two different types so you can differentiate a little.

Alright, I hope you have a great night!