Promoting Health and Wellness
We envision a community that works to improve the health status of all Geauga County residents by promoting physical and mental well-being through prevention, education, treatment and access to affordable health care.
A SPECIAL CAMP FOR SPECIAL KIDS
Ryan Manfredi is a handsome and energetic 20-year-old man. His charm and bigger-than-life personality take over a room. If you are blessed with the opportunity to meet him, you quickly learn how fully he embraces life. Whether it is his love of camping, hiking, target shooting, riding through the trails, swimming, running a half marathon or his favorite hobby of filming everything with his video camera, Ryan knows how to have fun. What you may not know about Ryan is that he is autistic. Although he may view life through a different lens, what he sees is more profound, joy-filled and appreciated. Ryan is adored by a large and loving family. When you interact with Ryan and his parents, you find yourself immersed in an aura of love that permeates your soul. This love is what prompted his parents, John and Debbie, to enroll Ryan at the age of four in Camp Sue Osborn (CSO), a one-of-a-kind summer camp experience in Geauga County for children with special needs. In July of each year, the program offers a two-week day camp at the Perry Outdoor YMCA as well as a week-long overnight experience at Camp Burton. John says Ryan has been attending CSO for 16 years and the camp “provides meaningful opportunities for special needs children to interact with their peers in a wonderful camp environment.” Debbie also adds, “There is no handicap at Camp Sue Osborn. Every child is equal.” Dawn Majors, Board President at CSO, has spent 18 years working at the camp and calls it “a magical place full of peace, joy, happiness and love.” Ryan’s energy is contagious. “I can vividly recall the way he played with an exercise ball. He didn’t push it, kick it or roll it, but rather climbed on top and maneuvered it from above.” The therapeutic camp funding that CSO receives from United Way Services sustains these opportunities for life learning skill development, fun activities and a much appreciated respite for the parents or caregivers. The counselors at CSO aim to give each child everything they deserve and more during their visit. Swimming, campfires, hiking, crafts, salon treatments and games are only a few of the activities the kids enjoy. When asked of his favorite memory at camp, Ryan put on a huge grin and said, “I love the s’mores around the campfire.” Ryan Manfredi is an inspiration. So much so that both his sisters have pursued careers with special needs children. While many of us push against our experiences in hopes of moving the world forward according to our expectations, Ryan goes along for the ride atop the exercise ball of life that moves in any direction he dares to take it.
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