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Do you know what accomplishment can still make a difference when employers look at a resume and must choose between two strong applicants?

For many years, one of those quiet differentiators was the Eagle Scout award.

“It takes a village to raise a child” came to mind as I thought about how many men, how many weekends, how many campouts, how many merit badges, and how many years it takes for a young man to reach that milestone.

Through the years, I have seen many versions of the Eagle Scout “project”. I have met young men whose parents did most of the work. I have seen others choose a small “minimum requirement” project just to get by.

And then there are those who truly step into leadership — who plan, organize, serve, problem-solve, and complete projects that leave a lasting mark.

Behind many of those young men are leaders who never asked for applause.

They taught. They guided. They drove. They camped. They corrected. They encouraged. They spent countless hours helping boys become young men of character.

Exactly ten years ago, my son was in the middle of his impactful Eagle Scout project. And those amazing leaders were there every step of the way. Not to do the work for him, but to support him, stretch him, and help him reach the finish line.

The organization has changed quite a bit since then, but the memories remain.

Moms remember the nerve-wracking first day camp, when our little Cub Scouts were taken on outings that felt far too long. We remember the first overnight campout, wondering if our sons packed what they needed for a decent night’s sleep. Would leaders remember allergies and accommodations?

We wondered if they would be warm enough, if they would eat enough, if they would be safe, if they would come home in one piece — and yes, if they might become a bear’s midnight snack! LOL… oh my imagination running wild!

And then, years later, some of us became very proud Eagle Scout moms.

Today, I want to honor the men who supported our sons through every stage — through every camp, every badge, every lesson, every Court of Honor, and every quiet moment when leadership was being formed.

This has been on my heart because my Eagle has now flown from the nest, and I just saw his Eagle Scout uniform which still hangs in the closet of his old room, and as an empty nester for a month now, I find myself deeply grateful.

Grateful for my husband.

Grateful for the excellent men who helped my son become the man and husband he is today.

And today, I pay tribute to one of those men — one who taught my son how to become an Eagle Scout, a leader, an example, and a friend. In loving memory of one who just has earned his wings.

So how does a mom survive that first day outing, that first overnight campout, or that first week away from home?

With preparation, communication, prayer, courage — and accommodations.

This year, I witnessed something beautiful. A church community came together to help a youth with higher support needs and autism participate in a five-day trek.

At first glance, some people might have wondered, Can this really work?

But the leaders and advocates did not begin with fear. They began with what they knew: this youth loved walking.

So they planned around that strength.

Camp leaders and advocates met with the parents. They talked through needs, routines, possible challenges, and supports. Two young adults volunteered to go specifically to be with this youth and help throughout the experience.

And the result?

It went beautifully.

The parents did need to pick up the youth a little early because of an allergic reaction to hand sanitizer, but the rest of the experience was a success.

This young person had an amazing time, and so did the people who had the privilege of helping.

That is what inclusion can look like when a community is willing to plan.

It does not mean everything will be perfect. It does not mean there will never be a phone call, a change of plans, or an unexpected reaction.

But it does mean that with the right support, more opportunities become possible.

For families impacted by autism, camps can feel overwhelming. There are so many questions:

These are not small questions. They are important ones.

That is why planning early matters.

If you are already thinking about camps for next year, begin now. Research programs. Ask questions. Request accommodation conversations before registration fills.

Be honest about needs, triggers, medical concerns, sensory sensitivities, food allergies, communication style, and safety concerns.

And remember: a good camp conversation is not only about what your child cannot do. It is also about what your child loves, what motivates them, what helps them feel safe, and what strengths they bring.

To find special needs camps near you click on the links:

Best Special Needs Camps
New Horizons Un-Limited
Serious Fun

For different summer camps throughout the country - You may need to contact each specific camp directly to ask about accommodations.

Summer Camps
Kids Camps

And if the idea of camp, travel, or any new experience still feels overwhelming, please know this: you do not have to figure it out alone.

At Gathering Memories Travel, this is the kind of planning I help families think through — not only where to go, but how to prepare, what questions to ask, and how to make the experience feel more possible for everyone.

Sometimes the dream begins with one brave question:

“What if we planned this differently?”

***If you are a leader in an organization that plans camps, email me directly and request the Camp Planning Resource for Leaders***

This is our Summer Camp Planning Guide for parents. With careful planning, it is possible for individuals with autism and other disabilities to enjoy camp experiences.

Use the Summer Camp Planning Guide as a starting point before you commit to a program. Let it help you gather your thoughts, organize questions, and prepare for conversations with camp staff.

Before choosing a camp, consider asking:

Also think about what helps your child thrive:

Camp does not have to look the same for every child to be meaningful.

Sometimes success means staying the whole week. Sometimes it means attending one day. Sometimes it means leaving early — and still celebrating everything that went right.

At Gathering Memories Travel, we design sensory and autism-friendly travel experiences that honor your family exactly as you are.

If you are dreaming about camp, a family trip, or a bigger adventure but feel unsure where to begin, I would love to help you think through the next step.

Book a discovery call with Gathering Memories Travel, and let’s explore what is possible — one experience at a time. ✨

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