MusicMan Butterfly Buddy Camp: A Haven for Creativity and Connection
The MusicMan Butterfly Buddy Camp is more than just a summer camp; it’s a vibrant, nurturing space where children with disabilities can freely express themselves through music, art, and movement. This year’s camp was a resounding success, marked by the laughter, creativity, and growth of every child who attended.
The Butterfly Buddy program is a creative arts camp that brings together therapists, music educators, special education teachers, and students with disabilities to celebrate, succeed, and grow through music and movement. Paired with a high school or college “buddy” who has been trained ahead of time for the specific needs of each student, campers engage with music, art, movement, and, most importantly, each other.
This program was created by the Brad Schoener Fund’s MusicMan Academy and operates under the Upper Darby Arts and Education Foundation with additional funding by a grant from the Department of Education. This funding will have a long-lasting impact on the lives of children and families in the community, as creative arts not only provide therapeutic benefits for the neurodiverse, but also help children develop interpersonal skills, unveil new talents, build confidence, and foster lasting friendships.
For many parents, the camp has been a revelation. Holly, the mother of a young camper named Muirin, reflected on her daughter’s experience: “She has had so much fun. She’s come home tired, which means that she’s really getting involved. These subjects, art and music, are the ones that she’s really into.” Muirin’s enthusiasm for the camp activities, especially those centered on arts and crafts, mirrors the passion of many other children who found their creative spark in the camp’s safe and supportive environment.
Kenneth, another camper, found joy in every aspect of the camp. His mother, Maribelle, shared how much the camp meant to him: “He enjoys a lot: parachute, the music, the art. He loves all his friends. He loved to help others with painting.” For children like Kenneth, the camp provides a rare opportunity to participate in social events tailored to their needs.
One of the most memorable aspects of camp was the movement sessions, which often ended with a calming parachute activity. Camp Behavioral Advisor Nakeia Smith fondly remembered this part of the day: “It created a beautiful sensory experience for them. It calmed them down; they got to engage in deep breathing and being still and being amongst their peers in a more relaxed environment.” This mindful approach to movement allowed the children to explore their creativity and emotions in a safe, supportive space.
The impact of the MusicMan Butterfly Buddy Camp extends far beyond the summer. For many children, it is a place of lasting friendships and community. Camp Dance/Movement Therapist Dawn Morningstar reflected on this sense of continuity: “A lot of these kids come back year after year so clearly it’s making an impact. I think the creative arts are a real connector. It’s a different way for the kids to be together versus a classroom or therapy environment. I definitely think it is community-building.”
At its heart, the camp is about more than just activities; it’s about creating a space where every child can be themselves, express their individuality, and feel valued. As Nakeia eloquently put it: “What I’ve observed about autism and other disabilities is that it’s not a ‘lack of,’ and this type of camp allows people to see that—there is no lack-of here. They get to just be and express themselves.”
The MusicMan Butterfly Buddy Camp is a testament to the power of creative expression and community. It’s a place where children with disabilities can find their voice, connect with others, and, most importantly, have fun in an environment that celebrates who they are.
