Skip Navigation
Part of the Easterseals National Network
Find Your Easterseals
Search
Easterseals
Donate
Donate
Adolescent girl with blue helmet on standing next to camp counselor female with brown hair

Gabriela Finds Adventure at Camp Fairlee

When Gabriela “Gg” started attending Camp Fairlee she was afraid of heights and unsure of herself. As she stepped off the edge of the zipline climbing tower her heart was pounding, but as she flew through the air, all of her worries disappeared.

Gabriela

When Gabriela “Gg” started attending Camp Fairlee she was afraid of heights and unsure of herself. As she stepped off the edge of the zipline climbing tower her heart was pounding, but as she flew through the air, all of her worries disappeared. She left Camp that first year, knowing she was capable of so much more than she ever imagined.

“I feel free and safe at Camp Fairlee,” Gg says. “Camp has given me a stronger sense of independence.”

Along with the climbing tower and zipline, thirteen-year-old Gg, who has Muscular Dystrophy, enjoys meeting other children like her and competing in the pinewood derby at Camp.

“I don’t meet many kids at school that are like me. It is great to be able to talk to people that understand you and have similar experiences,” Gg says. “I know I won’t run into any accessibility issues at Camp Fairlee.”

While campers rely on Camp Fairlee for adventure and independence in a supportive environment, parents like Gg’s father Brian, who need respite care, depend on Camp Fairlee for high quality, professional services. 

“It is amazing how safe Gg is at Camp. We were nervous that we weren’t there to help her but when we dropped her off at Camp Fairlee we recognized everyone is trained. Camp Fairlee is a great opportunity to give kids chance to do something they wouldn’t be able to do otherwise,” Brian, says. “Gg is now a great advocate for herself thanks to Camp Fairlee.”

More Like This

See All
  • A man with a disability delivers meals on wheels to senior.

    More Than a Meal

    This Giving Tuesday, your donation helps adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities not only gain meaningful work and connection but also strengthen the community by delivering Meals on Wheels to neighbors in need. Every gift supports empowering people with I/DD to make a real difference in their communities.
  • A man in a wheelchair with an intellectual disability smiles at the camera

    A Place Where Dominick Can Grow

    When Dominick David, of Newark, is in his Easterseals day program for adults with intellectual disabilities, his mom, Lynne, knows he is engaged in activities, forming relationship bonds and staying connected to his community.
  • A young child with a disability smiles at the camera

    Easterseals Treats People, Not Diagnoses

    Families like James’ turn to Easterseals not only for life-changing therapies, but for hope for their child’s future. Tracy and Jamie experienced that after James was diagnosed with Down syndrome.