Camp Massawippi isn’t just a place I go in the summer—it’s where I’ve grown into myself. I can’t imagine a summer without it. Since I was young, it’s been the place where I can just be me. It’s where I’ve raced across the soccer field, felt the wind rush past me on the lake, and laughed late into the night with my friends. It’s where I feel strong. It’s where I belong.
My name is Dimitrios, and I’ve been coming to Camp Massawippi since I was nine years old. I am completely blind, and I have mild autism. But at Camp, those things don’t define me. Here, I am simply Dimitrios—the soccer player, the singer, the water-skier, the friend.
I still remember the first time I played soccer at Camp. The field was huge, right by the lake. Instead of using my eyes, I followed the sound of a ball with a bell inside. I kicked it as hard as I could, and when I heard it rolling toward my teammate, I felt triumphant. That moment stayed with me, because at Camp Massawippi, no one sits on the sidelines. Everyone gets a chance to shine, to push themselves, and to feel the joy of being included.
And the fun doesn’t stop there. I’ve waterskied, gone tubing, acted in plays, and stayed up late by the campfire. There’s something so special about being surrounded by people who understand what it’s like to live with challenges and who believe those challenges shouldn’t hold us back from having the time of our lives.
“Camp Massawippi has given me so much: independence, confidence, and a second home.”
– Dimitrios
And for my parents, it’s more than a camp; it gives them peace of mind. While I’m here, they can rest, knowing that I’m safe, happy, and surrounded by people who care. It gives them a break. And for me, it’s the one place where I don’t feel like I need one.
Now that I’m older, I understand even more how powerful this place is. When I was younger, it was all about the games and excitement. Now, I realize that Camp gave me the tools to believe in myself—tools I’ll carry for the rest of my life.
Dimitrios
forever a Camp Massawippi kid
P.S. When I think back on my summers at Camp Massawippi, I don’t just remember the activities, I remember the way it made me feel confident and independent. Every child deserves that experience.