I trust you

Thanks to Recreational Therapy and an engaging but never intrusive approach, campers gain self-awareness, discovering new learning possibilities, with long-term benefits for their lives. Parents entrust them to the hands of competent staff in complete safety, thus regaining confidence in life.

“When the good and new thoughts began to chase away the old negative thoughts, life breathed into him, blood began to flow healthily in his veins again, energy returned to him.” These words were written over a century ago by British writer Frances Hodgson Burnett. Rereading her famous novel, The Secret Garden, an enchanted place that instils self-awareness and self-confidence in the two young protagonists, one can’t help but think of the Campus. Thanks to Recreational Therapy, the experience at Dynamo is the discovery of new potential and learning possibilities, not for two but for thousands of young protagonists each year: the benefits have long-term, if not permanent, effects, and positive changes are observed in children’s ability to cope with their illness. In particular, by working on trust, participation in the Campus helps foster social integration, making a fundamental contribution to increasing perceived quality of life.

“They had spoken highly of Dynamo, but I was quite sceptical,” confesses Ilaria Reggiani, mother of 10-year-old Angelica, with whom she participated in a family session in February 2020. “My daughter is quite reserved and distrustful: I imagined her, off to the side, watching others engaged in various activities. As soon as we arrived, however, I had to change my mind. I didn’t expect such a warm welcome from the staff. Angelica immediately felt this interest in her, appreciating that there were people eager to let her have fun to the extent she wanted, without forcing her in any way.” The result? Against all gloomy expectations, “after forty-five minutes, Angelica already didn’t care about me anymore,” her mother reveals amused. “They managed to win her trust in a short time thanks to engaging but not intrusive methods, respecting every child. Seeing her so enthusiastic, energised after each activity, always ready for the next, was priceless. After all, at Dynamo there are no comparisons, no feeling judged, no performance anxiety, everyone’s pace is respected, as it should be at school too.”

All activities take place under the supervision of staff and with the 24-hour presence of specialised doctors and nurses. Dynamo Camp’s philosophy is that they should always be present and ready to intervene, but “hidden” and discreet, in order to allow the children to have a special Campus experience in total safety and serenity, that is, without the impression of being in a medical facility. “Our daughter climbed up to seven meters high,” explain Claudio and Pina Russo, parents of Alessandro (10 years old) and Beatrice (8). “Elsewhere we would have lost ten years of our lives, but here we entrusted her to the staff with our eyes closed because they convey a sense of security. We have learned to live every moment to the fullest. We had never seen so many smiles at once.” “Thanks to Dynamo, we have also regained trust in people in general,” adds Ilaria Maria Sala, mother of Andrea (10 years old), Federico (7), and Chiara (5). “During the family session we participated in, on New Year’s Eve 2020, I was struck by the image of a young volunteer cradling a crying child. I thought: this young man could be anywhere celebrating the new year, instead, he is here at our disposal. It was an embrace of humanity that we did not expect.” Because often these families are accustomed to people’s indifference. “Other parents look at you badly and keep their distance, as if you were contagious. Even friends and relatives seem to never have time for you,” confesses Fiorella Buggio, mother of Marco (16 years old) and Matteo (14), with bitterness. “At the Camp, however, smiles are never lacking and indifference does not exist. In the days spent at Dynamo with my children, I learned to be proud of myself, I didn’t feel strong, but I realised that I am. I found words of comfort that gave me confidence. Matteo has always lived in the shadow of his disabled brother, because he can manage on his own, while Marco cannot. At the Camp, he finally felt part of the family.” Parents thus also develop confidence in change. “I realised that one should not demonise disability, but embrace it,” concludes Ilaria Reggiani. “You usually think of illness as an obstacle, an impediment. Yes, there are objective limitations, but not everything is impossible. Thanks to Dynamo, Angelica also returned to everyday life more self-confident. She started telling me: ‘Mom, I’m going down to get an ice cream by myself.’ That had never happened. An experience like this helps you to strengthen yourself, breaking down our and their insecurities.”

This is also revealed by research conducted by Yale University, aimed at evaluating the effects of Recreational Therapy practised in SeriousFun Children’s Network Camps, of which Dynamo is a part. The research shows a significant increase in the positive attitudes of campers. In their children, parents particularly noted an increase in self-confidence (78%), self-esteem (73%), maturity (81%), and independence (76%), greater interest in participating in social activities (72%), and an openness to experiencing new activities and experiences (79%). These data were also confirmed six months after the session. Thus, many campers, like Angelica, ask: “Mom, can I go back to Dynamo by myself?”

Source: DYBC MAGAZINE