Rowan-Cabarrus OTA college students work with campers at Wings of Eagles Ranch | Training
The students supported the campers with activities such as horse riding, ziplining, canoeing, climbing and handicrafts.
As camp counselors, they were put one-on-one with campers with a variety of special needs including autism, cerebral palsy, and spina bifida.
From employee reports
SALISBURY – Students on the Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program were doing clinical fieldwork with campers at the Wings of Eagles Ranch in Concord this summer. The Adventure II Camp of the non-profit ranch serves children and young people with special needs as well as typical campers in development.
The students supported the campers with activities such as horse riding, ziplining, canoeing, climbing and handicrafts. As camp counselors, they were put one-on-one with campers with a variety of special needs, including autism, cerebral palsy, and spina bifida.
“Having the Rowan-Cabarrus OTA students here has been beneficial for both the campers and the ranch. We only rely on volunteers to support our summer camps, ”said Christine Cronin, Founder and CEO of Wings of Eagles. “The camp offered the students the opportunity to deal with various medical issues.”
Students were able to apply the information and skills learned in the classroom to this nontraditional fieldwork experience that benefited people with a range of disabilities, and some said they were inspired to continue volunteering at Wings of Eagles and similar community organizations.
“My favorite part was training in therapeutic riding and the high ropes course,” said student Crystal McNeely. “Seeing the children overcome obstacles that frighten them or that they don’t trust was very enriching.”
