Hunter

It would be easy to read the above information about the group dynamic from a clinical perspective and miss the transformative impact group work can have on youth with disabilities.

Here’s a story that illustrates that impact. This is a story about Hunter. His VR counselor recommended that Hunter, a shy student with a disability, attend his state’s summer Youth Leadership Camp. With encouragement from his mom, Hunter reluctantly agreed.

Hunter’s mom—an excellent teacher and wise parent—purposefully left the state during camp. Why? Because she knew that if she were in the state when Hunter inevitably called asking her to come to get him, she would. She also knew that he needed this opportunity to grow.

At the beginning of the week, just as his mom expected, he called home, upset and wanting to come home. His sister, who was there to answer the phone, encouraged him to stay. He did. At the end of the camp week, Hunter was upset again, but this time, it was because he would miss his new friends.

Hunter returned from camp with newfound confidence and optimism, which was evident in his walk, interactions with others, and determination. Following graduation, Hunter secured his dream job and returned to camp to mentor the next group of reluctant campers.

The group experience of camp transformed Hunter. He was a new guy.

He had swagger.