Success Starts Here: Meet Palmer
On an overcast Saturday morning in late July, a smile spread across the face of Palmer as he welcomed kids to Momentum PTN’s summer camp in Torrance. Though his smile couldn’t be seen, considering Palmer and the others attendees were wearing protective face masks, families and fellow volunteers could see the excitement in his eyes for the start of Club SENSATIONal.
“As a person with autism, this inclusive experience gave me a feeling of acceptance and belonging,” Palmer says. “It changed my life.”
Palmer has attended Camp Escapades since he was five. This year, Camp Escapades was canceled due to the ongoing threat of COVID-19 and in its place, Club SENSATIONal was offered as a one-day event.
Complete with event stations and activities that followed health and safety guidelines, more than 80 kids arrived sporting both their face masks and matching shirts for a day of fun.
Over the years, Palmer has transitioned from camper to what is called a “white shirt,” a one-on-one volunteer who is paired with a child as their big buddy.
“White shirts are not only here to help the kids have fun and stay safe, it gives them someone to trust and someone to talk to,” Palmer says. “I’m able to help my campers learn new life skills in a safe and playful environment.”
Some children are uncomfortable with the loud sounds that accompany drumming activities or the movement required in a dancing exercise. Palmer says he understands that discomfort and knows how to introduce the kids to what he calls “non-preferred activities” in a fun way.
“I model positive behaviors and gently encourage them to participate,” he says.
Palmer says it feels good to give back to others the feeling of belonging and joy that he experienced at camp as a boy.
In his college admissions essay, Palmer reflected on the challenges he has overcome to help shape the young man he is today.
“I view my autism not as a disability, but as an attribute that strengthens me and helps me overcome future obstacles as I strive for a college education and a meaningful career,” he wrote in his essay. “The world can’t always change to accommodate my needs, but I now see my neurodiversity as an advantage that enables me to think, see and problems solve in ways different from others. Living with and adapting to autism has made me a more self-aware person and given me the strength to advocate for myself as I prepare to take on the challenges ahead.”
Learn more about the opportunities and resources Momentum’s Pediatric Therapy Network services offer.