Schedule at a glance.
After arriving and checking in, delegates will be introduced to their group leader and roommate. Once all of their personal belongings are brought to their room, delegates will say goodbye to their families and begin their forum experience!
Camper Check-In
Day One
For the initial session of LAYLF, each delegate will have the opportunity to introduce themselves in their preferred communication style. Then once all staff members have been introduced and color groups have been assignments, delegates will decide on ground rules for camp.
Introductions
For our first sessions, we have a former LAYLF alumni speak to delegates about what camp is like, how camp impacted their life, and what their life looks like now that they’re an empoweered adult with a disability. Afterwards, all staff and delegates gather for a group discussion about what it means to be a person with a disability, the challenges, and the positives.
Disability Pride
& Experience
Day two
A guest speaker will talk about what it means to be a leader and a self-advocate, and how these things can look different for different people. We want our delegates to walk away knowing that, no matter their disability, they can be a leader too!
Self-Advocacy
& Leadership
YLiFe is a combination of a transition fair and the Game of Life! Disability agencies like Louisiana Rehabilitative Services attend to share information about how they can help delegates reach their goals. Staff facilitate booths that allow delegates to roleplay decisions for their future, like where they want to live in the future and what mode of transportation would be best. YLiFe is intended to get delegates thinking about what THEY want for their future.
YLIFE
After YLiFe, delegates have the opportunity to envision their best life, and then share with the group! This is an opportunity for the group to discuss tangible steps to get to their best life, cheer each other on, and celebrate what everyone has already accomplished.
MY Good Life
Every year, LAYLF takes a trip to our state Capitol! Delegates have a mock debate to roleplay what legislative discussions look like, and experience what it might be like to attend a committee meeting. The group also tours the Capitol itself, exploring the Senate and House chambers. And of course, we also take the elevator to the tippy top of the building for a photo op!
Mock Debate
Capitol Day
One of the highlights of camp is our dance! This is a time for everyone to let loose and have fun together. We have a DJ, photo booth, and cotton candy machine. And… plenty of karaoke opportunities!
Dance
Day four
A panel discussion featuring adults with various disabilities, in various relationship stages, discuss what it’s like to date as a person with a disability! There is a Q&A, so delegates can ask their own questions too. The goal is to show delegates that it’s possible to have happy and healthy relationships as a person with a disability; it just looks a little bit different for us sometimes!
Dating & Relationships
This is a time for all delegates to share what makes them unique, and for their new friends to cheer them on in the process!
Talent show
Finally, it’s time for us to celebrate what our delegates have accomplished throughout the week! After our graduation ceremony, delegates check out of camp and head home with their family.
