Camp Twitch and Shout Family Weekend 2010

In the cafeteria at Camp Twitch and Shout We just got back from our second annual Camp Twitch and Shout Family Weekend at Camp Twin Lakes in Winder, GA. And just like last year’s weekend this one was equally inspiring. Over the past 6 years, I have had the fortune of meeting so many families whose lives have been touched by Tourette Syndrome. There were several moments during camp that I had the opportunity to stand back and watch. As the excitement filled the air, the tics were unleashed in domino fashion. Wall pounding, clapping, stomach punching, screaming, squatting, jumping, blinking. Of course this is only a small representation of what I saw and heard. But if I was asked to describe in one word what I really saw it would be strength – strength in both parents and kids.

Can you tell who has Tourette's? Kids with TS look like everyone else. There are no physical markers and they are quite often highly intelligent. As a result they are at risk of being misunderstood and mismanaged. To the outsider TS can appear to be nothing more than bad behavior as opposed to what it really is, a neurological condition. I have been on the receiving end of many judgmental looks from other parents. Looks that say you are a bad mother and have no control over your child. But what they really need to know is that my child has no control over himself. What they really need to know is that I am a good mother who will do whatever it takes to make sure my child is treated fairly. Imagine being told we aren’t really interested in a student like your daughter. Imagine watching as your child repeatedly slams his fists into his already bruised thighs. Imagine worrying every day about your child being bullied or made fun of. Imagine, as a parent, choosing to let your child pound his fists into you, in order to prevent him from hurting himself. Imagine being a teenager trying to fit in and always standing out in a crowd. Imagine going to see a movie with the constant fear that you might be asked to leave at any time. Imagine being told to be still or be quiet when your body won’t let you do either. Imagine having to squat and touch the floor every fourth step. Imagine being in a wheelchair because your tics make it difficult for you to even walk. Now imagine a place where none of this matters. A place where no one judges you, or laughs at you. A place where you belong. This is Camp Twitch and Shout. And for parents the family weekend is a place where, despite the fact that your child is hitting you, or spiraling into a TS meltdown no one will stare or question your parenting abilities. The best part of the weekend for many parents isn’t the canoes, or kayaks, or even the ‘Smores. It’s sharing our stories and discovering the similarities. Just knowing that there are other parents who have cried at night out of fear and frustration; that there are other parents who worry what the future holds for their children – just knowing this makes everything okay. We are a family at Camp Twitch and Shout and though we are spread out all over the country, I really don’t think we could be any closer. *Visit these helpful links for more information: TICS of Georgia Moxie Momma’s Tic Dock Brad Cohen Tourette Foundation Camp Twitch and Shout