Alex and Marcus Carter, 9-year-old twins with ADHD and oppositional defiance, arrived at camp anticipating conflict. They had never spent a week apart, yet by Week 2 they were refereeing each other’s games—and learning to cooperate in ways neither had before.
Individual Support, Shared Goals
Our intake team met individually with Alex and Marcus to identify distinct triggers and strengths. Alex thrived in active games but struggled with focus; Marcus excelled at crafts but resisted group rules. Counselors established separate “Interest Tracks” for the morning—sports for Alex, art for Marcus—and reunited the twins for afternoon team challenges.
Guided Collaboration
During the “Rafting Expedition,” each twin had a role: Alex steered the raft while Marcus navigated using a map. When disagreements arose (“No, that’s the wrong direction!”), facilitators stepped back, allowing the twins to practice conflict-resolution scripts they’d learned in cabin “Talk-It-Out” circles.
Growing Independence and Mutual Respect
By Day 10’s “Sibling Showcase,” Alex and Marcus co-hosted a presentation on canoe-building techniques they’d developed together. Their parents, watching over Zoom, celebrated the transformation: “They’ve learnt to listen, compromise, and cheer each other on—skills we never thought they’d master.”
Impact Beyond Camp
Returning home, the twins maintained daily “Talk-It-Out” circles before bedtime, a practice they learned at camp. Teachers report fewer classroom disruptions and more cooperative play. The Carter family credits camp for not only strengthening each boy individually but also deepening their sibling bond.
Takeaways
- Individual Strengths fuel joint success when paired strategically.
- Conflict-Resolution Tools give siblings a shared language.
- Joint Projects foster cooperation and mutual pride.