A Place to Belong: March at Camelot Brought Kids, Teens, and Young Leaders Together

March was a busy and joyful month at Camelot. Our community came together for two St. Patrick’s Day themed events, one for children and one for teens, and both were filled with the kind of moments that remind us why these programs exist in the first place.

These gatherings are not just about crafts or games. They are about creating space where kids and teens living with medical complexities can relax, have fun, and feel like they belong. They are also about giving young people opportunities to step into leadership roles and learn what it means to show up for others.

That spirit was easy to see throughout both events.

The People Behind the Programs

Before getting into the details of the events themselves, it is worth recognizing the people who make them possible.

Our Junior Board plays a big role in planning and running many of our monthly programs. These high school students take ownership of activities, help guide participants, and support staff throughout the day or evening. It is hands-on leadership, and you can see their confidence grow each time they step into that role.

Volunteers and community partners are just as important. They bring extra support, fresh energy, and a willingness to jump in wherever they are needed. When families walk through the doors and see a room full of people ready to help, it creates a sense of comfort right away.

That teamwork is what allows our programs to feel welcoming from the very beginning.

Children’s Event on March 8: An Afternoon Full of Energy and New Faces

On Sunday, March 8, we welcomed 37 children and their families to Camelot for a St. Patrick’s Day themed afternoon event from 12:00 to 3:00 PM. The room filled quickly with movement and excitement as kids got started on the day’s activities.

One of the most meaningful parts of the afternoon was welcoming six new families to the Camelot community. Watching new families walk in, meet other parents, and see their children jump right into the fun is always a reminder of how important these gatherings are.

The afternoon was active from start to finish.

Kids raced around the grounds during a scavenger hunt, spent time outside playing together, and sat down to create festive crafts. There was plenty of laughter, a little friendly competition, and lots of kids encouraging one another along the way.

We were also fortunate to have students from Northampton Community College’s Dental Hygiene Program join us to host dental cleanliness stations. They worked one-on-one with children to talk about brushing and oral health in a way that felt fun and approachable. It was a great mix of learning and play.

Boyle Construction helped bring food for the children’s event, alongside generous contributions from Camelot families. Sharing a meal together gave families time to slow down, talk, and connect while their children continued playing nearby.

By the end of the afternoon, the room felt full in the best way possible. Not just full of people, but full of conversation, laughter, and new relationships starting to take shape.

Teen Night on March 27: A Night to Laugh, Compete, and Just Be Teens

Later in the month, about 15 teens gathered for our St. Patrick’s Day themed Teen Night. From the start, the atmosphere was relaxed and energetic, with teens catching up, joking around, and settling into the evening together.

Teen Night is designed to give teens a space that feels their own. It is a chance to spend time with peers, build confidence, and enjoy the kind of fun that helps them feel comfortable and connected.

We were grateful to welcome nursing students from the Cedar Crest College Nursing Program, who volunteered their time to support the evening. Their presence added an extra layer of care and reassurance, and they jumped right in to encourage participation and help the night run smoothly.

Dinner was generously donated by Camelot families, continuing the tradition of families supporting one another. Sitting down together gave teens time to talk, laugh, and ease into the night before the games began.

Once the activities got going, the energy in the room picked up quickly.

The Junior Board led the way, guiding teens through a mix of crafts and games that kept everyone engaged. There was a lot of movement, a lot of cheering, and plenty of laughter.

Teens spent the evening:

• Making leprechaun-themed crafts
• Competing in the Shamrock Shake game, racing to shake ping pong balls out of tissue boxes
• Playing a hot potato gift game, where they worked together to unwrap prizes while wearing oven mitts and rolling dice for turns

Some moments were competitive. Some were silly. All of them were fun.

And for a few hours, the focus was not on medical appointments or limitations. It was simply on being together.

What We Saw That Day and That Night

When we look back at these events, the biggest takeaway is not just what happened. It is how people showed up for one another.

We saw children making new friends. We saw teens laughing without hesitation. We saw families connecting with other families who understand their journey. We saw young leaders stepping into responsibility and gaining confidence.

Our Junior Board members left the events with more than volunteer hours. They left with leadership experience, teamwork skills, and a stronger sense of purpose.

And the kids and teens left with something just as important. They left feeling included. They left feeling supported. They left feeling like kids.

Why We Keep Showing Up

Programs like these are built on consistency. They give children and teens something to look forward to, a place where they feel comfortable, and a community that understands their journey. That is why we continue to host monthly events like Children’s Programs and Teen Nights. They create routine, connection, and moments of joy that matter more than we sometimes realize.

March reminded us of that once again. It reminded us that leadership can start young. It reminded us that community shows up in big and small ways.

And it reminded us that when kids and teens are given the chance to simply be themselves, something really special happens.

That’s the Camelot magic.