Neurodivergent Inclusive Camping
The main reason I wanted to volunteer was that at its core, this camp was to help people and that is what scouting is all about, helping people. This was a rare opportunity to help out the neurodivergent population and I was sure I was going to learn some new things as well from this camp.
After all, its rare enough we can have such a direct opportunity to help out others, I don't see why I wouldn't volunteer.
Over these few days I attended Malaysia D Camp 2023 in a helper role as a scout. Our duty was to bring the neurodivergent campers a sense of inclusion and also bring the scouting spirit to the camp.
Things I have experienced in the camp:
1. Being patient when communicating with the neurodivergent campers.
2. Getting to know each of my team members and making friends with each of them.
3. An all inclusive campfire that even got my neurodivergent friends to dance along with us.
The neurodivergent campers participated in the campfire and their spirits were definitely lifted. It also helped them learn to become more independent as we had various activities such as cultural walks where they learnt to lead the way. This camp's theme was inclusion and that goal was definitely achieved.
Things I have learnt:
1. Neurodivergent people are also people, they just have a different sequence of thinking. Once you get to know them, you'll start to realise how talented they are at certain things.
2. Patience is key when dealing with neurodivergent people. They aren't being difficult on purpose and they do not mean to make it hard for us.
3. Treat them with the same respect as everyone else in life.
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