Autism Family Surf Camp

Growing up in Pacifica, CA and going to college in San Diego, surfing has long been on my "bucket" list.  Along with holding a koala, playing the piano, and speaking fluent Spanish.  Hmm.  Aside from marsupial-cuddling, everything on my list requires time, patience, and practice--if not some innate talent.  So, while I technically can cross surfing off my bucket list, it's now holding top honors on my list titled, Retirement Plan. 

I received an email a few weeks ago from a wonderful organization called Surfers Healing, announcing their first annual Autism Family Surf Camp.  J-Boy has been fortunate to surf at their Malibu day camp event the past two years.  It is an amazing family day at the beach, complete with lunch, treats, an opportunity for kids with autism to have some one-on-one time on a surfboard with incredibly kind and patient volunteer surfers, and to meet and relax with other families who share all the challenges and joys that come from having a loved one with autism.  So, an opportunity to spend three days surfing and camping with this group??  SIGN US UP!!!!

It was A-MAZ-ING!!

 

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This was a vacation that left me feeling so full.  My heart was full from meeting so many amazing families and volunteers.  My stomach was full from the many great meals that were deliciously prepared and provided.  My soul was full from being out in nature-the sun, sand, salt, the breeze and the sound of the waves-that feeds me; that feels like home.  And my brain and muscles were filled with such empowerment at having accomplished a physical feat and proving that, yes, old dogs CAN learn new tricks.

But all of that, ALL OF IT, would not have been possible without Izzy and Danielle Paskowitz, and their heartfelt vision to bring these gifts to autism families.  Families like theirs.  Families like ours. 

Thank you, thank you, thank you!  We are looking forward to next time!

 

 

Comments

[Alisa]

Awesome! All around awesome!

[Emily Iland]

WONDERFUL, Lisa, I am so happy for you all. Loved the music, photos and commentary.

[Vicki]

Looks like the best trip! Thanks for sharing...it made me very, very happy to see you guys doing this together. Awesome!

[Cara Larose]

Very nice! So do you have a new bucket list now? I also have "surfing in Hawaii" on my bucket list, hehe. I have to do it before I kick the bucket. My husband argued that it's dangerous, but I told him that you can only live once.

[surf vacations]

Looks like the best trip! Thanks for giving...it created me very, very satisfied to see you people doing this together. Awesome!