At PA Lions Beacon Lodge Camp, Camp Sensational is designed for campers with sensory differences, Tourette’s Syndrome, and other unique needs who thrive in supportive, structured, and adventurous environments. The program emphasizes confidence-building, creative expression, and trying new things at each camper’s own pace.

Max, a thoughtful and energetic 13-year-old with Tourette’s Syndrome and sensory processing differences, arrived at camp with his fidget spinner, his Nintendo Switch, and his favorite bouncing ball. Known for his quick smile, often a playful wink thanks to his facial tic, Max’s catchphrase, “What’s next?”, set the tone for a week of discovery. His story shows how Camp Sensational helps campers turn differences into strengths, energy into creativity, and curiosity into connection.

Sunday Arrival: Moving to My Own Rhythm

Thirteen-year-old Max stepped off the bus at Beacon Lodge Camp with his fidget spinner already spinning, Nintendo Switch tucked safely in his backpack, and a small bouncing ball clutched in his spasm-affected hand. With Tourette’s and sensory processing differences, Max experienced the world through constant movement and detailed observation, often asking, “What’s next?” before fully finishing current activities.

“I was excited but also nervous about all the new sounds and places,” Max admits, his characteristic smile-wink appearing as he speaks. “At school, my tics and the way I move around sometimes makes other kids stare or ask questions I don’t want to answer.”

Camp Sensational was specifically designed for campers like Max: young people whose neurological differences meant they experienced and responded to the world in unique ways. The camp’s sensory-aware approach meant Max’s tics, limited eye contact, and need for fidgeting weren’t seen as problems to manage, but as part of who he was.

“When I got to my cabin and saw other kids stimming and moving in their own ways, I realized nobody was going to make me feel weird here,” Max reflects, bouncing his ball absently while talking.

Days 1–2: Finding My Activities

 Camp Sensational’s approach worked perfectly for Max’s detail-oriented, thoughtful nature. Instead of being rushed through activities, Max could take time to observe, process, and then engage in his own way. His constant question of “What’s next?” wasn’t seen as impatience, but as genuine curiosity and enthusiasm.

Max’s first breakthrough came at the handcar railroad. The repetitive, rhythmic motion of pumping the handcar handle seemed to satisfy his sensory needs while providing exciting transportation around camp. Within two days, Max had become the unofficial handcar champion, understanding the mechanics and timing better than anyone.

“Max figured out how to make the handcar go faster and smoother than any of us,” recalls counselor Sarah. “He’d study the track, adjust his timing, and then share tips with other campers. His attention to detail made him the expert.”

The climbing tower became Max’s other passion. The physical challenge, combined with the need for focused attention, provided the perfect sensory input. Max’s unique way of approaching problems — pausing, processing, then executing with precision — made him surprisingly successful at finding climbing routes others missed.

“I liked that climbing required all my attention,” Max explains, his hand making small spasmodic movements as he speaks. “When I’m focused on holds and routes, my brain feels calm even when my body is doing its thing.”

Days 3–4: Becoming the Game Inventor

By the middle of camp, Max’s creative, problem-solving nature had emerged fully. During free time, he began inventing group games that accommodated different sensory needs and movement styles; games where fidgeting was an advantage, where detailed observation mattered, where everyone could participate in their own way.

“Max’s games were amazing because they worked for everyone,” says former cabin mate Jamie. “Like, if you needed to move around, that was part of the game. If you noticed tiny details that helped your team win. Max understood how to make activities that used everyone’s differences as strengths.”

Max’s Nintendo Switch became a social tool rather than a solitary device. He organized tournaments with modified rules that accommodated different processing speeds and attention styles, always asking “What’s next?” to keep engagement high without overwhelming anyone.

“Max taught us that ‘What’s next?’ wasn’t about rushing,” observes counselor Tom. “It was about being excited for possibilities and wanting to make sure everyone got to experience all the cool things camp offered.”

Days 5–6: Sharing Unique Perspectives

The final days showcased Max’s greatest contribution: helping other campers understand that different ways of experiencing the world created opportunities for innovation and connection. Max’s detailed observations and creative problem-solving had made activities better for everyone.

During the camp talent celebration, Max demonstrated his handcar techniques and led a group game he’d invented. His presentation wasn’t traditionally “performed”; he spoke while bouncing his ball, made limited eye contact, and his smile-wink appeared frequently, but his enthusiasm and expertise captivated everyone.

“Max showed us that being an expert doesn’t mean looking or sounding like everyone else,” reflects counselor Sarah. “His knowledge and creativity spoke louder than his tics, and his unique way of seeing problems led to solutions none of us would have thought of.”

Max’s favorite final activity was organizing a zipline and paddleboat rotation system that accommodated different comfort levels and processing speeds. His thoughtful approach to logistics ensured everyone got maximum enjoyment from the pond activities.

Eighteen Months Later: Confident Problem Solver

Today, Max continues to thrive in middle school, where he’s learned to advocate for his sensory needs while sharing his problem-solving abilities with classmates. His teachers have learned to appreciate Max’s “What’s next?” curiosity as a sign of engagement rather than distraction.

“Camp Sensational taught me that my brain works differently, but that doesn’t mean it works wrong,” Max explains, his fidget spinner moving steadily. “I just need to find the right activities and the right people who understand that different can be really valuable.”

Max has joined his school’s game design club and continues to create activities that work for neurodivergent participants, always incorporating his camp-learned understanding that the best solutions emerge when you design for everyone’s differences.

“My catchphrase is still ‘What’s next?’ but now I know the answer isn’t always rushing to the next thing,” Max reflects. “Sometimes the answer is ‘Let’s make this thing we’re doing even better by including everyone’s unique way of participating.’”

What Camp Sensational Offers Through Max’s Experience

Max’s story illustrates the thoughtful approach that makes Camp Sensational unique:

• Sensory-aware programming that works with neurological differences rather than against them
• Detailed observation appreciation, where noticing differences becomes a strength
• Movement acceptance where tics, stimming, and fidgeting are normalized and accommodated
• Creative problem-solving opportunities that utilize unique perspectives and approaches
• Innovation encouragement where different ways of thinking lead to better solutions for everyone
• Expertise development where special interests and detailed knowledge are valued and shared

Camp Sensational serves young people ages 8-16 with various neurological differences, sensory processing challenges, and autism spectrum conditions. The program emphasizes acceptance, creativity, and community building while providing sensory-appropriate activities and environments.

Max’s Message to Future Campers

“Don’t worry about your tics or the way you move or how you look at things differently,” Max says, bouncing their ball rhythmically. ” Camp Sensational is where those differences become your superpowers. Just bring your curiosity and be ready to discover what makes you amazing.”

Max’s advice for families of neurodivergent kids? “Let your kid be excited about what they’re excited about, even if it seems different. At Camp Sensational, the things that make you different are exactly the things that make activities more fun and creative for everyone. And always remember to ask ‘What’s next?’ – there’s always something cool waiting to be discovered.”

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

Max’s story represents the kind of creative innovation and community building that happens when neurodivergent young people find environments designed for their success.

🎒 Curious about Max’s world before camp? Meet Max here.

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