“Growing up with Cerebral Palsy, I was often excluded by people my age. Kids who have disabilities can have trouble making friends. But, you can always find a friend at the PlayGarden. Seeing kids happy and enjoying camp is important to me. When someone has a disability they don’t always feel that they can be themselves and not judged in society. The PlayGarden is a place for kids with (or without) disabilities to be themselves. That is meaningful to me because I often felt judged by others when I was a kid. That is not a great way to grow up. I can help kids at the PlayGarden who might have the challenges like the ones I had. I know that I belong there, and can help others feel that way too. ” – 

Ella Mae MacPherson-George,
PlayGarden Youth Leader & Summer Camp Counselor

Dear PlayGarden Families,

One of the more rewarding things I did over the long Thanksgiving weekend was launching rockets for the PlayGarden community on Saturday, an activity I used to carry out for the campers back when I worked at the PlayGarden summer camp back in 2016 and 2017.  Summer camp provides the children in our community with an inclusive space to play with their friends, learn about all the plants and insects in our garden, play sports on our basketball court, and – my personal favorite when I was a camper – make friends with all the chickens, bunnies, and ducks who live in the Garden House. Every child should have the chance to play outside in a supportive environment, and your donations will ensure that no child will ever be turned away because of their family’s financial situation, and that we can provide this opportunity for years to come.

From all of us here at the PlayGarden, have a wonderful holiday season!

Best Wishes,

Ei Sitchin, 
PlayGarden Board Member