Some experiences are so amazing they need to be repeated!

Such was the case for Brett Altheim, who attended Leadership Camp at Easter Seals Alberta Camp Horizon for a second time this fall.

Brett is 25 years old and lives with Kabuki Syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects parts of the body and brain. He had previously attended Leadership Camp and decided he wanted to continue working on those skills and attend a second time.

“I wanted to keep working on being a better leader, so I thought I could attend again and help other people that are struggling or don’t understand,” Brett explained.

A highlight of camp was a day the weather wasn’t cooperating and Brett came up with an idea for an indoor game. “I had an idea to have a kick-ball game, and I asked the counsellor if it would be ok,” he said. “The counsellor said alright and told me to run with it. We grabbed hockey sticks and bats and all sizes of balls, so it was inclusive for everyone.”

Acceptance of his idea by the camp counsellor and the ability to lead the activity was a wonderful moment for Brett. “It made me feel good that the counsellor listened to my idea and let me organize it, and everyone had a fun time! The counsellor said he was going to use my idea for other camps,” Brett shared.

Moments like these built self-assurance for Brett in his day-to-day life after camp. “I’ve seen a lot of difference in my confidence,” he shared. “I feel like I can ask more questions and also I understand how to better help people that need extra help. It was great to learn these different skills, do the activities and help with camp.”