For most people they roll out of bed in the morning, put their feet on the floor and begin their day. The routine does not involve much thought and is a simple task. For Bryn Kissack, the routine is not as simple and requires much more work and help.
Kissack, a soon-to-be fifth grader at Tilton Elementary School, was born with spina bifida and overcomes challenges daily. For one week each year, she has the opportunity to be just like everyone else while having fun.
The past two summers Kissack has spent a week at Camp Independence surrounded by others with spina bifida while having fun and learning how to become more independent.
The YMCA of Metro Chicago hosts Camp Independent with a mission to give every person the opportunity to learn, grow and develop to his or her fullest potential. Camp Independence is open to campers, age seven to young adults, with spina bifida to help them grow and develop.
For Kissack, Camp Independence is a week filled with fun, learning and inclusion. Kissack is used to being in the minority as she whirls around in her wheelchair. At Camp Independence she is just one of many others who all suffer from some form of spina bifida.
“It was fun getting to know new people. We learned that some people still have spina bifida but they have braces and a crutch but no walker or wheelchair and others can walk by themselves,” Kissack said. “It is really nice to get to learn about new people and their disabilities and what they have.”
A day typically began with getting ready for the morning, followed by breakfast and then independence workshops. During independence workshops the campers learn how to complete tasks on their own and become more independent.
For Kissack some of the independence she learned during camp was not taught by a counselor or medical provider but by a fellow camper.
Kissack’s friend, Ella, has attended camp with her the last two years and together they work to achieve independence. They have worked to learn how to get dressed in the morning by themselves and get items they need without relying on another individual.

After lunch, the campers have a time of rest followed by the opportunity to participate in skill periods. Skill periods include archery, sports, arts and crafts and a time of play. Kissack’s favorite skill period was creating friendship bracelets.
Campers also have the chance to go swimming and boating before dinner.
After dinner all campers gather together for an evening activity. Activities could include a talent show, carnival night or a game night.
Growth
Kissack’s parents, Kyle and Jennifer, heard about the camp through her neurologist who serves on the board for Camp Independence. While she has only attended the camp two years, her parents have seen a positive impact on their daughter.
Kyle explained Bryn comes back each summer with a motivation to become more independent and accomplish tasks on her own.
A description for Camp Independence reads, “all campers are encouraged to become active participants in their own care as well as their continued development of independence. Campers are shown that even though they have a disability; they can be anything they want to be and are provided with an environment where they can be successful. Most importantly, the prescription for the camp is fun.”
Highlights
Activities are designed to promote confidence, cooperation and fun for all campers. Kissack said her favorite aspects of camp were games, swimming and making new friends. She added that all of Camp Independence is fun and she enjoyed the entire week.
Kissack and all the girl campers and counselors held daily sleepovers in the girls’ bedroom. Every aspect of camp for Kissack was fun and enjoyable whether it was planned or not.
Bryn experienced a new aspect of camp this summer, as severe weather blew through and Camp Independence was moved to the basement as a precaution. Kissack enjoyed spending a portion of her evening in the basement while they watched movies and stayed up past bedtime. She explained her disappointment once the storm was over as campers were forced to return to bed and did not get to finish watching “Aladdin.”
Another highlight for Kissack was a visit from service dogs.
Mickey and Joey visited with the campers and showed off some of their skills to the kids. Joey has been trained that he can only get a treat when a bell rings. Kissack had the opportunity to ring the bell and have Joey come to her for a treat.
Kiwanis
Kissack is the current Little Miss Peanut for Kiwanis Club and the organization stepped up to help her attend camp. Kissack received a scholarship from the Kiwanis groups to help send her to Camp Independence.
“Thank you [Kiwanis organization] for the money to send me to camp this year, I really hope to go again next year and I really hope to enjoy it again,” she said.
“Jen and I are thankful for Golden K, Kiwanis Noon Club, and Key Club for their willingness to help Bryn. They have gone above and beyond and we appreciate their support and care,” Kyle said.
Kissack hopes to attend the camp in the future and looks forward to reconnecting with friends, making new friends and playing new games.