A UH student is helping make a big difference as a role model by making the summers of special needs campers some of the most memorable in their lives.
Tony Agosto has worked throughout the summer as a counselor at Camp for All, program that works with other non-profits to make a barrier-free, accessible-for-all camping environment for handicapped children and adults.
But though he’s known around the camp for being very hands-on with his work, he’s most appreciated for being an inspiration — like many of the campers spending time at Camp for All, Agosto suffers from cerebral palsy.
“One the things that really makes a difference for our campers is that many of them come to camp and realize that there are others out there like them,” said Kurt Podeszwa, the camp director of the facility.
“For our campers to see a staff member with cerebral palsy to be in the role of a program staff member is empowering to them. It gives them the opportunity to say, ‘If he can do that, then I can.’ At Camp For All we really focus on what the camper can do.
“Tony is very independent and asks not to be treated differently just because he is differently abled. Campers enjoy spending time with him. He is a good role model and truly enjoys spending time with children,” Podeszwa said.
Camp for All accommodates its guests with an entirely wheelchair accessible facility, filled with handicap-friendly activities such as horseback riding or fishing. The camp enlists the help of other non-profit organizations in the area to enable handicapped individuals to experience the fun of camp.
“What makes us different from other summer camps is that our campers are children and adults with special needs and challenging illnesses,” said Pat Sorrells, CEO of Camp For All.
Agosto first attended the camp in 2002. He became a counselor for the camp in 2004, and because of his continued dedication he has started this year as a full-fledged staff member. Podeszwa credits much of Agosto’s success as a staff member to his incredible persistence.
“Tony impressed me during our staff training lifeguarding class when, even though it was apparent he was not going to be able to get certified, he kept trying all the skills and the endurance swim,” Podeszwa said.
As a program staff member, Agosto is tasked with leading a variety of activities, as well as helping the campers get acclimated to the camp and the grounds.
“A typical day could be that he greets a cabin at breakfast, joins them for morning aerobics, leads the cabin to fishing, then archery, then to nature,” Podeszwa said.
“The program staff is key to a camper’s experience at camp; they lead games in between activities, they answer questions the campers have and overall help facilitate a good experience for the campers.”
The camp is always searching for individuals willing to help fill spring, summer or fall positions. For volunteer information visit the website at www.campforall.org or contact volunteer supervisor Melissa Waggoneer at [email protected].
YAY Tony! We at Rainbow Connection love him!