A Summer to Remember

Stories from our Community Engagement Summer Camp

Summer is coming to an end, and we've made some great memories and shared wonderful activities that made this season so special. One of the highlights was our Community Engagement Summer Camp, a seven-week program filled with adventures, new experiences, and friendships. We’re excited to share some of the stories that made this year’s camp so special.

This year's Camp brought together 13 amazing young campers, including three brand-new participants! Together with our Lesko Discovery Center team, they explored Southcentral Alaska, with more than 20 park visits and guided excursions ranging from Anchorage to Willow to Girdwood. The campers especially loved the Reindeer Farm in Palmer, the private tour, planetarium show, and science demonstrations at the Anchorage Museum, and the Botanical Gardens, where they participated in a scavenger hunt and "Nutrition in the Garden" cooking class. Other highlights included the Anchorage Trolley Tour, a Fourth of July barbecue, and a karaoke party to celebrate the last day of Camp. In between excursions, campers also participated in recycled art projects, themed activities, group games, and visits from community partners like the Anchorage Fire Department, Alaska Native Heritage Center, and more. These partnerships gave campers hands-on learning, exposure to Alaska’s history and culture, and unforgettable experiences they would not have had otherwise.

Camp Stories

Each camper experienced moments of growth and joy. One camper, Lindsey, who usually prefers quiet activities like coloring, listening to music, and reading, impressed everyone with her kayaking skills—confidently crossing the lake and showing off her strength and independence. Her mother said, "Lindsey loved [Camp] and it got her out and about and doing many fun things she may have not ever done. Our family is thankful for this camp that Lindsey has got to participate in. We appreciate the opportunity."

In the play area at the Aviation Museum, the campers took turns playing pilot, navigator, and passenger—they loved making their own announcements, offering food and beverage service, and choosing the next destination for "Hope Airlines." One camper conquered her fear of the dark at the planetarium show and the movies and tried every activity that was offered to her. At the Pioneer Peak “you-pick” farm, the group encountered an unexpected rainstorm and used giant rhubarb leaves as makeshift umbrellas. At the karaoke dance party on the last day of Camp, the campers sang, wore costumes, and waved twirling ribbons, making it the best way to end such a fun summer together.

Parents consistently shared their gratitude and expressed appreciation for the team’s care and commitment, and many shared excitement about returning next year and even transitioning into adult programming at the Lesko Discovery Center. One grandparent said their non-verbal camper came home in a good mood every day, and another parent described the program as “the best we’ve seen.”

Looking Ahead

We are already planning for Summer Camp 2026, with goals of building partnerships with schools to welcome interns, expanding music and theater programming, adding camping and outdoor skill days, and inviting family members to volunteer so they can experience Camp alongside their loved ones. We hope to continue offering an wide variety of meaningful experiences for campers.

How You Can Help

Our Summer Camp thrives with the support of our community. You can make a difference by donating to help keep Camp affordable, volunteering your time or talents, suggesting activities and excursions, or connecting us with musicians, artists, or other community partners. We are especially interested in adding music and theater components next year. If you have an alma mater with a disability program or know someone who might like to collaborate, please reach out—we’d love to connect.

Contact our Community Engagement team

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Shift work is common in healthcare, hospitality, public safety, and other essential job fields. Working evenings, nights, or rotating shifts allows people to serve during critical times and enjoy daytime flexibility, but because these work patterns disrupt the body’s natural circadian rhythm—which guides sleep, metabolism, and hormone release—they call for more thoughtful self-care. With the right strategies and intentional habits, shift workers can effectively maintain their physical and mental well-being.

Prioritize quality sleep. Sleep powers every system in the body, from immune function to digestion to memory. Establishing a consistent sleep schedule and aiming for 7–9 consistent hours of sleep will help your circadian rhythm adapt to non-traditional work schedules. Create a cool, dark, and quiet environment using blackout curtains, an eye mask, earplugs, and white noise. Try taking a short nap before work, and go to bed as soon as possible after your shift to capture your prime sleep window.

Plan your meals. Shift work can disrupt hunger signals, leading to skipped meals or erratic snacking. Come to work prepared with balanced meals with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein, and keep healthy snacks on hand. Avoid heavy meals before bed, limit sugary drinks, caffeine, and alcohol, and drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Stay active. Exercise is an essential part of anyone’s wellness routine, but even more so for shift workers. Regular movement helps improves metabolism, mood, energy, and sleep quality. Try to work out before your shift, take brief stretching and walking breaks during work, and avoid intense workouts right before bed..

Support your mental health and work-life balance. Shift work can sometimes feel isolating, so connect with loved ones and engage in hobbies and community activities on your days off. Pursue interests that help you unwind and manage stress, such as meditation, yoga, and reading. If you experience persistent mental health or sleep issues, consult with a healthcare professional.

Shift work doesn’t have to compromise health. With consistent routines, planning, and self-care, shift workers can stay energized, healthy, and resilient—on the clock, and off.

Quick Self-Care Breaks on the Job:

• Box breathing: Inhale, hold, exhale, hold for 4 counts each to calm your nervous system.
• Neck and Shoulder Release: Roll your shoulders and tilt your head to relieve muscle tension.
• Mindful Pause: Take 3 deep breaths, focusing on clearing your mind.
• Mini Visualization: Picture a calm scene for relaxation.
• Hand Massage: Massage your palms and fingers to improve circulation.
• Short Breaks: Get up and stretch or go for a short walk about every hour.

Many physical issues—from persistent back pain, headaches, and neck tension to breathing difficulties, circulation problems, and even digestive troubles—can often be traced to poor posture. Slouching, whether while sitting at a desk, standing in place, or scrolling on a phone, compresses the lungs, restricts blood flow, and places undue strain on the spine and surrounding muscles. Over the years, these small, repeated habits can lead to chronic discomfort, fatigue, poor circulation, and, in more severe cases, a noticeable hunch or curvature of the back as we age.

Healthy posture is not about rigidly holding yourself in a certain position. It is about allowing your body to rest in its natural curves and alignment so it can function efficiently and with minimal strain. When your head is balanced naturally over your shoulders, your shoulders remain relaxed; when your core muscles are gently engaged, your spine is more stabilized; when your weight is evenly distributed, your muscles no longer need to overcompensate to keep you steady; when your feet are flat on the floor when sitting and shoulder-width apart when standing, blood flow improves and stress on your joints is lessened. This balanced state conserves energy, reduces compression on vital organs, and allows everything to work more effectively. Better breathing and blood flow contribute to more energy throughout the day. Proper alignment can even make a positive influence on your mood and confidence.

Posture affects far more than just those who spend long hours at a desk. The way we stand in a grocery line, walk down the street, drive a car, and hold our devices all have long-term effects on our spine and muscles. When alignment is compromised, especially chronically, joints and ligaments absorb stress unevenly, resulting in fatigue, pain, nerve compression, poor circulation, digestive issues, a gradual loss of flexibility, and ultimately, a diminished quality of life. Awareness and consistent small adjustments are the key to protecting posture—and your overall health, comfort, and mobility.

Tips to maintain healthy posture:

• Stay aware: Regularly check how you’re sitting, standing, or using devices like your phone.
• Move often: Set timers to stretch or walk every 60 minutes.
• Strengthen & stretch: Focus on your core, back, shoulders, and flexibility in your hips and legs.
• Use support: Adjust your chair and monitor, keep feet flat, and avoid crossing your legs.
• Get help if needed: Physical therapy, chiropractic care, and massage can help restore alignment and relieve tension.

Our eyes play a major role in how we experience the world, whether through sight or as part of our overall health. Eye health is about more than just clear vision—it also involves preventing disease, managing existing conditions, reducing strain, and promoting well-being at every stage of life. Regular eye exams, healthy habits, and protective measures can help maintain eye function and detect other health concerns.

Many eye diseases—such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy—can be subtle and develop gradually. Adults ages 18 to 39 should have an eye exam at least every two years, and those over 65 or with diabetes or a family history of eye disease should go annually.

Protecting your eyes from sun exposure is vital. Over time, UV rays can contribute to cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Look for sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB rays whenever you're outside, and wear a brimmed hat for added protection. Never look directly at the sun—even briefly.

Digital screen can lead to eye fatigue and strain. Follow the 20-20-20 rule (see sidebar) to help relax eye muscles. Also, blink often, adjust screen brightness and contrast, use night mode or blue light filters, increase text size for easier reading, and keep screens 20 to 24 inches from your eyes, positioned and just below eye level.

Nutrition matters, too. Leafy greens, orange vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes, and omega-3-rich fish like salmon and tuna support eye health. Vitamins A, C, E, and zinc help protect against dryness and degeneration.

Other important habits include getting enough sleep, staying physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and wearing protective eyewear when needed. If you wear contacts, follow proper hygiene guidelines to prevent infection.

Make eye care a priority and a regular part of your routine—taking steps today will support your health and quality of life for years to come.

July is Disability Pride Month.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed by Congress on July 26, 1990, establishing America’s commitment to end discrimination against people with disabilities. Disability Pride means accepting and honoring each person's uniqueness and seeing disability as a natural and beautiful part of human diversity. Disability Pride awareness events promote visibility and mainstream awareness of the positive pride felt by people with disabilities. Alaska’s Disability Pride Celebration hopes to bring this message to our Alaskan friends and neighbors, and to raise awareness of the significance of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

All are invited to the Disability Pride Celebrations in Kenai and Anchorage—fun, inclusive events that honor the diverse talents and contributions of people with disabilities in our community. The celebrations are part of Alaska’s statewide Disability Pride festivities, and it’s all about promoting awareness, accessibility, and joy for everyone.

The volunteers coordinating the event represent people with physical/intellectual/developmental disabilities, behavioral health disorders, autism, Down syndrome, traumatic brain injury, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, and more.

Kenai Disability Pride

Date: Saturday, July 19
Time: 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Location: Soldotna Creek Park, Soldotna

Kenai invites you to its annual Disability Pride celebration, commemorating the ADA and promoting awareness, acceptance, and inclusion for all individuals with disabilities. This fun-filled event is perfect for all ages and offers a variety of activities and entertainment.

Highlights of the Event:

• Good Food: Enjoy tasty food options from local vendors.
• Fun Games: Participate in exciting games and activities suitable for all ages.
• Live Music: Enjoy a lively soundtrack from a live DJ.
• Amazing Vendors: Browse booths from various vendors showcasing their products and services.

Join us at Soldotna Creek Park for a day of celebration, community, and pride. This event is a great opportunity to connect with others, enjoy great entertainment, and celebrate the spirit of inclusivity.

View Kenai Event Flyer

Anchorage Disability Pride

Date: Saturday, July 26
Time: 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Location: Delaney Park Strip, Anchorage

Attend the Anchorage Disability Pride celebration to honor the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This year marks another exciting opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate diversity, inclusion, and the achievements of people with disabilities.

Highlights of the Event:

• Food & refreshments
• Fun games & activities
• Live music
• A petting zoo
• Face painting
• Inspirational community engagement
• American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters on site
• Opportunities to connect with local disability organizations and resources

Come and be part of a day filled with joy, camaraderie, and celebration. Whether you’re attending with family, friends, or solo, there’s something for everyone at the Anchorage Disability Pride event.

View Anchorage Event Flyer

If you’ve ever come home to a wagging tail or a soft purr, you know—pets are so much more than just animals we care for. They have a special way of lifting our spirits, easing stress, and alleviating loneliness.

One of the key benefits of having a pet is the comfort they bring. Spending time with a pet—whether it’s playing fetch, snuggling on the couch, or simply making eye contact—helps your body release feel-good chemicals like serotonin and dopamine. These natural mood boosters can help reduce stress and leave you feeling calmer and more connected.

For many people, especially those who live alone or struggle with social anxiety, pets are steady companions against loneliness. Pets provide constant, loving company. Walking a dog often leads to casual chats with neighbors or fellow pet owners, making social interaction feel easier and more natural.

Another gift pets offer is structure. Daily routines like feeding, walking, and playtime bring a sense of purpose and rhythm to the day. This can be especially helpful during difficult times, such as periods of depression or anxiety, when motivation is low and engagement in everyday activities is challenging. When life feels uncertain, your pet still needs you—and that dependable bond can be grounding.

Even more, pets don’t judge. They don’t care about your bad hair day or missed deadline or unfinished to-do list. They don’t expect you to explain yourself—they simply offer their presence and loyalty. They love you as you are, in every moment. That kind of unconditional acceptance is rare and healing.

Of course, owning a pet is a responsibility, and it’s important to choose one that fits your lifestyle. But when it’s the right match, that furry (or feathered or scaly!) friend becomes much more than a pet— they become part of your heart, and a part of your wellness journey.

Last week, our team brought the movies to life! From Minions to Minecraft, our support recipients turned popular movies from this summer into carnival games and sets. They spent 10 weeks measuring, cutting, painting, and building every piece as a team.