{"id":206255,"date":"2026-03-26T01:38:14","date_gmt":"2026-03-26T01:38:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/206255\/"},"modified":"2026-03-26T01:38:14","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T01:38:14","slug":"lift-disability-provides-summer-camp-to-give-families-a-break-together","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/206255\/","title":{"rendered":"Lift Disability provides summer camp to give families a break together"},"content":{"rendered":"

Terri and Richard Schon knew their son, Alex Schon, never liked being on stage.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Ever since he was in elementary school, the 25-year-old refused to go on the stage for any event.<\/p>\n

So when the Lift Disability staff members called the Breakaway Camp Retreat participants onto the stage, they were surprised to see Alex Schon \u2014 who was born with a rare, severe form of craniosynostosis called cloverleaf skull syndrome \u2014 not just find his way to the stage but run to it.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Schons saw a level of confidence instilled in their son while at Lift Disability\u2019s annual summer camp.\u00a0<\/p>\n

They were overjoyed watching their son sing along with the other campers on stage.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cAt first, I was nervous, and then I was just really proud of him,\u201d Terri Schon said. \u201cMore than just being proud, seeing him so proud of himself is the best part.\u201d<\/p>\n

Since attending the camp three years ago, Alex Schon has returned to camp every year.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Every January, the Schons register for the coming summer\u2019s Lift Disability Breakaway Camp Retreat, waiting with anticipation for another summer of fun and inclusivity for the whole family.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Before the fun begins, the nonprofit, which focuses on assisting families with individuals with disabilities, will host the fifth annual Winter Garden Cornhole Tournament presented by State Farm (local) agents Saturday, April 11.<\/p>\n

\"Breakaway<\/p>\n

Breakaway Camp Retreat participants sang together on stage during the Eddy’s, a talent show.<\/p>\n

Photo by Jason CannonA good fit<\/p>\n

After attending Morning Star Catholic School for middle and high school, Terri Schon said the family was looking for a day program in town that would accommodate Alex Schons\u2019 needs.<\/p>\n

Once he wakes up, Alex Schon is able to prepare himself for the day, but after that, Terri Schon said he needs to be with someone.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cDay-to-day can be very isolating, and it could be difficult and very lonely if he doesn\u2019t have someone to help engage him through activities during the day,\u201d she said. \u201cHe loves to go out to eat. He loves to go to the movies. He loves country music and loves to go to concerts.\u201d<\/p>\n

The family began looking for resources and organizations that could provide services for Alex Schon. They found Lift Disability.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cWe didn\u2019t know anybody in the organization, so we really weren\u2019t sure,\u201d Terri Schon said. \u201cBut when we went to get in the car to leave, Alex said, \u2018This is a good place for me. I\u2019d be really happy here,\u2019 which is not like Alex. He\u2019s very trepidatious, kind of shy and doesn\u2019t like to do new things all the time, so it was impressive he was that comfortable that quickly.\u201d<\/p>\n

Since he started the Elevate program, which is a Lift Disability day program, he has spent his days connecting with other individuals with disabilities and Lift Disability staff and volunteers.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cThe disability world can be really small, so it\u2019s hard to find people that are sincere and genuine and you can trust,\u201d Terri Schon said. \u201cThere\u2019s a lot of organizations out there, but there\u2019s still not enough, and most organizations will cater toward a certain type of disability, but if you don\u2019t fall within that realm, it\u2019s tough. That\u2019s the nice thing about Lift Disability. I think the biggest thing is they\u2019re genuine. They truly care, and it\u2019s a good fit for Alex.\u201d<\/p>\n

Through Lift Disability, Richard Schon said his son has made friends \u00a0whom he talks to daily.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cFor Alex, his whole world revolves around the people at Lift Disability,\u201d Terri Schon said. \u201cIt\u2019s an extension of our family.\u201d<\/p>\n

Three years ago, Alex Schon saw an advertisement for Breakaway Camp Retreat and instantly knew he wanted to go.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Terri Schon had no interest in camping, but she said her son doesn\u2019t ask for much, so she signed the family up for the camp retreat.\u00a0<\/p>\n

By the end of the five-day, four-night trip, all the Schons could do on the drive home was talk about and plan for next year\u2019s camp after a successful time that year.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201c(Going home) was emotional because we were able to see him experience something so inclusive and so genuine,\u201d Terri Schon said. \u201cJust watching him have a good time like that in a very typical setting was really cool.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Alex<\/p>\n

Alex Schon played Uno with his buddy at Breakaway Camp Retreat. The individuals with disabilities are with their buddies from breakfast until bedtime with each day packed with activities.<\/p>\n

Photo by Jason CannonTime for a break<\/p>\n

Terri Schon said her son wouldn\u2019t have a typical summer camp experience if it weren\u2019t for Lift Disability. Breakaway gives him an opportunity to be independent and a \u201ctypical young adult with his friends.\u201d<\/p>\n

Each individual with a disability is partnered with a buddy who is with them from breakfast until bedtime. It allows the family members to do what they want for the week knowing their loved one is cared for and safe.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cOur focus is on families,\u201d Lift Disability founder Jim Hukill said. \u201cWe come alongside them to encourage their journey through Disability Life. \u2026 The program was really developed in order for us to bring a sense of life and enjoyment back into their lives. We know there are several factors that come against the family in order for the family to be successful. Things like isolation and fatigue from all the caregiving, so Breakaway was actually designed as a way for them to do a family vacation together.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryan Rouse, the senior director of operations and program director for Lift Disability, said the retreat is an opportunity for families to create memories while providing rest for caregivers. He said it\u2019s also like a reunion for all the returning families who come from all over the state.\u00a0<\/p>\n

There are a plethora of activities for individuals with disabilities and their families. From a spa day to the dads being flown in a private plane over the camp to boat trips to fishing trips and more, the campers\u2019 daily schedules are packed.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The nonprofit\u2019s staff will customize and adapt activities to meet any individual\u2019s disability, Rouse said.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cWe like to say, \u2018There\u2019s no such thing as no at camp,\u2019\u201d Rouse said.\u00a0<\/p>\n

For a few years, individuals in wheelchairs were able to feel like they were flying when staff would valet them up 30 feet into the air surrounded by oak trees.\u00a0<\/p>\n

A favorite activity of Hukill and Rouse is the Eddy\u2019s, a talent show named in honor of a camper who Hukill said was a showman, always putting smiles on people\u2019s faces while singing.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Hukill said it\u2019s a joy to be able to give campers a red carpet experience where everybody\u2019s putting their talent on display.<\/p>\n

The nonprofit\u2019s staff also meet the campers where they are emotionally, physically and mentally on any given day at camp. Rouse recalled a camper wasn\u2019t having a good day and didn\u2019t want to leave her room, but they still wanted to create memories for her. So they brought a miniature horse into her room.<\/p>\n

Bringing families in similar circumstances together, the caregivers have an opportunity to share their concerns about raising a child with a disability as well as tips and resources.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re sitting down and talking to people that completely understand,\u201d Sharon Hartten, Alex Schon\u2019s grandmother, said.<\/p>\n

\"Alex<\/p>\n

Alex Schon had a blast dressing to the theme with his buddy at Breakaway Camp Retreat last year.<\/p>\n

Courtesy photoSupporting Breakaway<\/p>\n

Making Breakaway Camp Retreat happen every year isn\u2019t cheap.\u00a0<\/p>\n

It costs the nonprofit at least $100,000 to coordinate the camp in Leesburg, Florida, for at least 20 families. Lift Disability provides scholarships for families who aren\u2019t able to afford to go, ensuring as many families as possible can participate.\u00a0<\/p>\n

To support the camp, the nonprofit will be hosting the fifth annual Winter Garden Cornhole Tournament presented by State Farm (local) agents.\u00a0<\/p>\n

New this year is the car show, which is expected to have about 50 classic cars.\u00a0<\/p>\n

There also will be new elements to the kids\u2019 zone, including water slides and face painting.\u00a0<\/p>\n

For the cornhole tournament, there will be two levels: advanced and novice. Both levels will have a cash prize for the winners.<\/p>\n

The event also will feature raffles, food trucks and more.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Although donations always are welcome and needed to continue to provide families an excellent experience, Hukill and Rouse said volunteers also always are needed.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Hukill said he\u2019s seen volunteers\u2019 lives change because of their connections with Lift Disability families.<\/p>\n

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