In 2008 I began my more formal work with children with special needs approximately 50 kids with special needs to camp as either 1:1 or 1:4. It was my job to train and supervise special needs cabin counselors who provided care and assistance for their campers according to their individual needs. I gained valuable experience working with children with a variety of needs, including children with Down Syndrome, mental health, epilepsy, mild to severe MR, and children on all ends of the Autism Spectrum. Also since 2006 I have been a volunteer, though more recently an employee, for Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times a camp for children with cancer and their siblings. Many of our campers experience developmental delays due to the latent effects of treatment and/or invasive brain surgery. As a volunteer counselor I have worked in cabins with children requiring a 1:1 and/or 1:3. More recently as a Director I was responsible for overseeing the experience of all children, which included many children with various special needs. I learn and grow with experience, and exposure for which I have had lots!