When David came home from the Extinguish Your Fire workshop, he was so proud. He had his firefighter hat, his certificate, and his movement cards. He felt like he had learned something important.
One of the most emotional moments for me happened later at school. His teacher made him the “Star of the Day,” so he could show his firefighter hat to the class.
I saw more than a child showing a hat. I saw my son being seen.
He stood in front of his classmates with confidence, sharing something he was proud of.
The school asked to use the same visuals and strategies from the workshop because they wanted to use the same language with David. Suddenly, he was hearing the same messages and using the same tools at Camino, at home, at school, and in after-school programs. That consistency helped him feel safer and more understood.
Since participating in Camino’s workshops, I’ve seen David grow in ways I didn’t expect. He talks about his emotions more easily. He uses kinder words. He is more aware of how other people are feeling. He has started using strategies that help him pause before reacting.
He even says things like, “I’m ignoring it,” when something bothers him.
It may sound like a small sentence, but for David it is a real tool. He is learning that he can pause, think about how he feels, and choose how to respond instead of reacting in the moment.
Tracy’s Reflection
When we think about providing better service, we often think about access, wait times, or programs.
Those things matter, but what matters most is what happens afterward.
It’s the confidence that shows up at school. The conversations that continue at home. The small moments that help someone navigate a challenge differently than they would have before.
Those moments may seem small, but over time they can change the course of a person’s journey. That’s what we strive for every day.
