As youth with learning and attention issues get older, there is a lot that parents (and schools) can do to help develop the skills needed for independent living. Skill sets can be developed through early introduction to the tools needed for what may seem very basic to some but must really be taught, practiced and reinforced for others to develop the good habits necessary for independence. Turtle Wing Foundation, with the assistance of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension/Fayette County, will be holding Camp Independence which will focus on some key areas that will help participants spread their wings and fly more independently. Skills to be workshopped will incorporate communication skills (such as introductions and interviews), healthy hygiene (laundry care, hare care, and following daily routines), cooking (they will make their own snacks and lunch and talk about kitchen and food safety), and finances (such as allowances and following a simple budget). Camp Independence will held on Wednesday, July 17 from 10 AM – 2 PM at the Fayette County Ag Building Training Room (255 Svoboda Ln., La Grange). Instructors have hands-on, interactive lessons planned that will be appropriate for students 8 years of age or older. This program is being underwritten by a grant from Second Chance Emporium so there is no fee to participate. These classes are open to any interested student interested in learning skills that will help them function more independently. Additionally, participants with social skills, communication, sensory, and behavioural needs who can function in a group are encouraged to attend. Turtle Wing’s mission is to “help children with learning challenges in rural areas achieve their full potential”. The foundation serves youth in Fayette, Lavaca, Colorado and surrounding counties. To register for Camp Independence contact Dawn McMillan at (512)790-0951 or fcwchild@gmail.com. For more information on the foundation visit the website at www.turtlewingfoundation.org, follow Turtle Wing on Facebook, or contact managing director, Susie Shank, at 979-505-5090.
Picture: (L-R) Jessika House, Jenifer Boening/TAMU Agri-Life, Michayla Kahlden preparing lunch at the 2018 Camp Independence.