“Jonathan” is a 22 year-old man diagnosed with Asperger syndrome.  Like many with this disorder, Jonathan had for years found it challenging to communicate with people in social situations.  He often expressed his desire to have friends and be part of “a group,” but never seemed to quite find a niche in which he could be accepted. 

After attending Camp Pow Wow as a camper for five years, Jonathan was approached by an observant staff member, who had noticed that he was quite high functioning, and felt that maybe he would like the opportunity to “step up” and help out at Camp.  Jonathan was intrigued by the idea, but expressed anxiety over changing his role.  The staff person assured him that he could “attend a staff meeting to learn more about what we do,” and discussed extensively that fact that new experiences are indeed risky, but the rewards can provide fun and friends.  Jonathan was persuaded to give it a try, so the following week he made the transition to “official volunteer.”  

Jonathan’s volunteer stint at camp was a great success!  He thoroughly enjoyed accompanying groups of campers to art and music instruction, and was taken into the fold by the staff who soon found that he had a gift for telling good jokes at staff meetings.  One counselor commented that Jonathan “seems taller since he’s been volunteering…you can just see how good he feels about himself!” He no longer seems anxious in social settings, and (though it still takes him some time to frame what he wants to say) he participates actively in group discussions, and lends his ideas to the team.  Imagine his utter delight when the camp director asked him to return to camp this year and serve as volunteer counselor in charge of his own TENT for the overnight!