At PA Lions Beacon Lodge Camp, Camp Liberty gives adults with mild intellectual and developmental disabilities a place to build independence, practice life skills, and discover their strengths in a supportive community. With programs ranging from financial literacy workshops to leadership opportunities, Camp Liberty helps participants grow into confident, capable adults who can bring those skills home.

Alex, a 25-year-old with a mild intellectual disability, arrived at camp nervous but determined to find his place. What began as a hesitant first shopping trip in the camp store grew into a journey of confidence, leadership, and mentorship. His story shows how Camp Liberty helps participants transform “I can” into lifelong independence and a chance to help others succeed.

Five Years Ago: First-Time Camper Fears

Twenty-year-old Alex arrived at their first Camp Liberty session clutching their lunchbox and backpack, nervous about being away from family support systems. With mild intellectual disability, Alex was independent in daily living but had never been in a setting with so many peers who shared similar experiences.

“I kept my hands folded together because I was scared to touch anything or mess up,” Alex recalls with their signature bright smile. “I didn’t know if I belonged here or if everyone would be smarter than me.”

Camp Liberty was Alex’s first taste of true peer community; a place where needing extra time to process information or preferring clear, simple instructions wasn’t something to hide or apologize for.

The breakthrough came during a camp store shopping activity. While other campers struggled with calculating purchases and managing their spending money, Alex naturally stepped in to help, showing an intuitive understanding of money management and customer service.

“Alex started explaining price comparisons and helping people figure out what they could afford,” recalls counselor Maria. “They had this gift for making math simple and friendly. We knew right away they had something special to offer.”

Year Two: Finding Their Place

Alex returned to Camp Liberty the following summer with increased confidence and a collection of lanyards they’d started gathering from various community activities. This time, they immediately gravitated toward the camp store, fascinated by inventory, pricing, and customer interactions.

“I asked if I could help organize the store,” Alex explains, adjusting their volunteer name tag. “I loved figuring out how everything should be arranged and helping people find what they needed.”

Camp staff quickly recognized Alex’s natural retail abilities. Their money management skills, friendly customer service approach, and genuine enjoyment of helping others made them a perfect fit for expanded responsibilities.

“Alex would give everyone a thumbs up when they made good purchase decisions,” laughs former camper Jordan. “They made shopping fun and educational at the same time.”

Years Three-Four: Becoming Essential

By their third summer, Alex had become the unofficial camp store assistant, working alongside staff to manage inventory, help customers, and teach other campers about smart spending. Their signature greeting – hands folded politely, then a big smile and thumbs up – became a beloved camp tradition.

“Independence starts with ‘I can,'” became Alex’s motto as they helped other campers build confidence in money management and decision-making. Their patient teaching style and genuine enthusiasm made them a natural mentor.

Alex’s budgeting workshops grew from informal help sessions to official camp programming. Their ability to break down complex concepts into manageable steps helped many campers develop financial skills they took home to their communities.

“Alex taught me that being good with money isn’t about being super smart,” says former participant Taylor. “It’s about taking your time, asking questions, and practicing until it becomes natural.”

Year Five: Valued Staff Member

Today, Alex returns to Camp Liberty not as a participant but as a valued staff member who manages the camp store and co-leads financial literacy programming. Their journey from nervous first-time camper to confident camp leader inspires everyone they work with.

“Alex embodies what Camp Liberty is all about,” reflects Program Director Lisa. “They show that independence isn’t just about taking care of yourself – it’s about growing into someone others can count on too.”

Alex’s camp store has become a model for inclusive retail training, where campers learn practical skills while being served by someone who understands their experiences and challenges.

“I love watching new campers discover they can handle more responsibility than they thought,” Alex says, their hands folded neatly as they speak. “When someone successfully manages their first independent purchase, I give them the biggest thumbs up. That’s when you know independence is starting.”

Current Day: Mentor and Teacher

Alex now works year-round in various community retail positions, using skills developed and refined through their Camp Liberty journey. They’ve become a sought-after speaker for transition programs, sharing their story of growth from participant to leader.

“My lanyard collection reminds me of all the places I’ve learned to be independent,” Alex explains, showing off their current favorites. “But my Camp Liberty name tag is still the most important one because this is where I learned that independence starts with ‘I can.'”

Alex continues to mentor new Camp Liberty participants, offering the same patient support and encouraging thumbs up that helped them build confidence years ago.

“I tell new campers that everyone starts somewhere,” Alex reflects. “Five years ago, I was scared to touch anything in the store. Now I run it. That’s what happens when you’re in a place that believes in what you can become.”

What Camp Liberty Offers Through Alex’s Journey

Alex’s story illustrates the transformative potential that makes Camp Liberty unique:

• Growth trajectory from participant to leadership roles within the community
• Skill development that transfers to real-world employment and independence
• Mentorship opportunities where experienced community members guide newcomers
• Practical life skills, including money management, customer service, and workplace readiness
• Community belonging that evolves into community contribution and leadership
• Long-term relationships that provide ongoing support and connection

Camp Liberty serves adults 18+ with mild intellectual and developmental disabilities who are ready for increased independence and community involvement. The program emphasizes skill building, peer support, and leadership development within a structured but flexible environment.

Alex’s Message to Future Campers

“Don’t worry about what you can’t do yet,” Alex says with their characteristic smile and thumbs up. “Focus on what you want to learn and who you want to become. Camp Liberty isn’t just about being independent – it’s about discovering how your independence can help other people too.”

Alex’s advice for families of adults with disabilities? “Sometimes the best thing you can do is let your person find their community and discover what they’re capable of when surrounded by people who believe in them. Independence starts with ‘I can,’ but it grows into ‘we can’ when you find the right place to belong.”

Want to learn more about Camp Liberty or other Beacon Lodge programs?
Contact us at office@beaconlodge.org or call (814) 542-2511.

Alex’s story represents the kind of long-term growth and community leadership that happens when individuals find environments designed for their success.

Curious about Alex? Meet Alex here.

Alex’s story is shared with permission and represents a composite of experiences from Camp Liberty participants over the years. Names and identifying details have been changed to protect privacy while honoring the authentic experiences of our camp community.