Mia Mueller:
I am a coach at fullout21 camps and work with Lauren. My initial thoughts for fullouT21 camps were to create an inclusive and motivational environment. I think that giving girls with Down syndrome new opportunities from our camp allows them to grow as individual people.
When Lauren first brought the idea of camp to me, I was excited to contribute my ideas and put in the hard work to start this camp. Lauren has included me in this work and I have loved being a part of it. My favorite part about working with Lauren is being able to connect my ideas with hers. When Lauren asks me for my input, I am able to contribute value to the camp’s operations. For example, when making decisions about music, games, and such, I often plan these aspects, while Lauren can plan others. This allows us to use our friendship to communicate and we become an amazing team.
However, some challenges came with this, too. Some of these are adjusting to Lauren’s work style. As the camp grows and changes throughout the years, it can be hard to adapt and keep up with the changes Lauren makes. Whether that is going from working outside to inside, or going from a small to a big group, I try my best to adapt to these changes. Another challenge I have come across is working on my amount of contribution. Being a coach, I want to input myself as much as possible in making decisions and contributing to the camp in general. However, it can be hard to know how much to add when we are making big decisions that Lauren is more educated on. Personally, I have come far with managing my part of the fullouT21 camps and I have grown as a leader and coach. Every year I learn different ways to facilitate as a coach. I learned to give the kids discipline when camp is challenging and to keep everyone focused. I also learn to keep the campers engaged as best as possible through strategies that get them more excited to learn. Lastly, I have learned from seeing how Lauren runs the camps and solves problems when we come across them together. When we came across the problem of having all the kids engaged, she suggested that we have groups that switch around in different areas which ended up adding a significant benefit to the focus of the camp.
Working with girls with Down syndrome has given me a new perspective and a new outlook on life and made me learn many skills. My mindset has changed to be open to trying new things even if they are out of my comfort zone. I will use these skills for the rest of my life on how to adapt to new situations, be creative, and problem-solve. I have learned so much even though it is just the beginning of what is to come.
