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. 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.”