Returning for its second year, the Munroe-Meyer Institute’s Hand-Arm Bimanual Intensive Therapy (HABIT) Day Camp proved just as popular with parents and children as it did when it was offered last year.
The camp, for children ages 4 to 8 with hemiplegic cerebral palsy, is designed to mix therapy with fun activities — and it seems to be working. This year, the camp hosted six children, with two returning from the first year. The camp ran from 9 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. every day for two weeks.
Jessica Ackerman, whose son, Hunter Ackerman-Starr, attended the camp, said she liked the intense, five-day a week therapy the camp offered while still making the experience fun for Hunter.
“I’ll say, ‘It’s time to go to therapy camp,” and he’ll say, ‘MOM! It’s just camp!” she said.
This year’s camp, funded by the Munroe-Meyer Institute Guild, worked to build on the success of last year, when camp organizers were able to document an improvement in the campers’ ability to use two hands together in functional activities, said Janice Flegle, director of occupational therapy at MMI.
Children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy have impaired muscle function and coordination on one side, which can affect their independence and confidence. The activities for each day were structured around a theme — super heroes, gardening, winter in the summer, and beach activities — and required two hands to complete successfully.
Claudia Schulte, grandmother of camper Tatum Dibbern, said the soon-to-be kindergartner looked forward to coming to camp every day.
“She has right-sided weakness, and we thought this would be a great opportunity for her to practice using her right arm, come up with some strategies to make her assimilation into elementary school better,” Schulte said.
“Our goal is to make this opportunity available to children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy every summer.” Flegle said. “We hope to demonstrate that this burst of intensive therapy will increase the frequency, skill, and confidence with which these children incorporate their affected hand into daily living activities.”
Pre- and post-testing was conducted with each of the campers to see the result of the therapy hidden among the camp’s games, activities and craft projects.
“We’re very happy with the way the camp has gone,” Flegle said.
As a mom of one of the children from the HABIT camp I can say absolutely, this camp has increased my daughter's awareness, confidence, skills and abilities of her weakened side. An added benefit, my daughter LOVED the camp! We are very grateful that we had this opportunity. Thank you MMI Guild!