{"id":2765,"date":"2013-07-05T10:04:02","date_gmt":"2013-07-05T14:04:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/njcts.org\/tsparents\/?p=2765"},"modified":"2013-07-05T10:04:02","modified_gmt":"2013-07-05T14:04:02","slug":"from-first-timers-to-long-timers-families-tout-value-of-retreat-weekend","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/njcts.org\/tsparents\/from-first-timers-to-long-timers-families-tout-value-of-retreat-weekend\/","title":{"rendered":"From first-timers to long-timers, families tout value of retreat weekend"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>For nearly a decade, children and families affected by Tourette Syndrome and its associated disorders have converged upon YMCA Camp Bernie in beautiful Hunterdon County each June for a few days of fun, learning and the realization they are not alone \u2013 that help not only is out there, but is readily and plentifully available.<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s Family Retreat Weekend on June 7-9 was the best yet put on by the New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome & Associated Disorders (NJCTS<\/strong><\/a>) \u2013 thanks to a generous grant from the Brad Cohen Tourette Foundation; sponsors such as the HAPI Foundation, ShopRite, Wegmans and Costco; many hard-working volunteers; and the scores of children and families who traveled as many as 150 miles to be a part of the \u201cbest weekend of the year.\u201d<\/p>\n

Each attending family had a different motivation behind attending, but there was a general theme that emerged \u2013 especially from the numerous first-time families: \u201cWe are not alone, and we are so glad that there are professionals and other families out there just like us who can help us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis was our first weekend, and it was invaluable,\u201d said Megan Devero, who attended camp with her daughter. \u201cIt was helpful for my daughter to meet and spend time with other kids experiencing the same issues that she has so she realizes she is not alone in this. She could have fun, relax and be herself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Devero\u2019s daughter thoroughly enjoyed hearing a panel of young adults discuss their experiences with Tourette Syndrome and how others can adjust to life with the neurological disorder with ease and even joy. Devero, meanwhile, benefitted from the \u201cFamily Dynamics\u201d seminar for parents, presented by Drs. Gayle Forman and Lisa Cox.<\/p>\n

Numerous other families \u2013 first-timers and long-timers alike \u2013 had similar reactions to Devero. For the Wilcockson family, which this year attended the Family Retreat Weekend for the seventh time, camp was further affirmation of how important community is when it comes to special needs children.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is always a wonderful experience,\u201d Audrey Wilcockson said. \u201cThe kids get to meet others with Tourette and enjoy the camping experience, while the parents can network and learn from the meetings provided for them. That’s why we keep coming back. I would encourage anyone who has not yet had this unique experience to give it a try.\u201d<\/p>\n

One of the premier aspects about the Family Retreat Weekend is the opportunity for a parent to see their child make friends, develop or enhance social skills, and have fun. Many children with Tourette don\u2019t have a chance to receive such opportunities, especially during the school year.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe met so many nice families. We felt comfortable and like we didn’t have to apologize or feel embarrassed about our son’s behaviors,\u201d said Chris-Jan Hance-Varalli, whose family attended the Family Retreat Weekend for the first time. \u201cThere were so many fun activities, and the kids loved it. Our 10-year-old struggles with social skills, and he jumped right in with the other kids.\u201d<\/p>\n

Some families related their hesitance in coming to camp, citing reasons such as being unsure how their kids would react. By the end of camp, nearly every family intimated how much the experience meant to them \u2013 including the Phillips family, which attended camp for the first time.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was an amazing experience for us,\u201d Wayne Phillips said. \u201cOur son really enjoyed himself and loved the fact that there are other children that are just like him.\u201d<\/p>\n

June 6-8, 2014, will mark the 10th anniversary of the Family Retreat Weekend, and it once again is scheduled to take place at YMCA Camp Bernie. For more information about the Family Retreat Weekend, please call NJCTS at 908-575-7350 or visit www.njcts.org<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

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