Growing up with Tourette Syndrome (TS), I was constantly bullied in school. People would ask me why I made the noises that I did, and why my eyes kept twitching (and then there was always the stereotypical, "Do you curse all the time?"). The other children at school were the worst. I faced teasing and criticism on a daily basis, whether it was because I squeaked during tests or had to touch a door knob three times before turning it. No matter how hard I tried, I simply could not make my Tourettes go away, and eventually resigned myself to feeling as though I was different from all of the other children. It was so difficult to fit in when I was constantly reminded that I was different.
Then I found a place where children with Tourette Syndrome can come together and simply be kids for a weekend. That magical place was Camp du Ballon Rouge. Though I never attended as a camper, I am now able to help create a positive experience for the children as a counselor. For three days a year, I am part of a fantastic team of caring adults who come together to create a fun and emotionally safe environment where children with Tourette Syndrome play games, sing around campfires, watch fireworks, and are free from bullying. For many of the children, those three days are also the first time that they meet other people with TS. It is an opportunity for the children to realize that they are not alone, that other children also "twitch and shout", and that they are amazing, worthy people.
To learn more about Camp du Ballon Rouge, visit http://www.tourettetexas.org/TSACamp.html or find your local Tourette Syndrome Association.
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