The MGH Institute campus was home to a week of fun for a group of local children and a learning experience for second-year EL-OTD students during the Occupational Therapy Inclusive Summer Camp. Ranging in age from 7-12, the kids with acquired and neurodevelopmental disabilities joined the OTD students to make tie-dye shirts, cook, take part in sports led by Spaulding Adaptive Sports, and experience a little history during a field trip to the U.S.S. Constitution Museum.  

For the OTD students, the camp was the culmination of weeks of preparation in pediatric intervention planning, goal-writing, and assessment as part of the pediatric practicum elective. With faculty supervision, they provided individualized OT support and gained valuable experience.

“It was a challenging but amazing experience working with children with neurodivergent disabilities," explained Bridie O’Sullivan, second-year OTD student. "I feel like I have improved my OT skills working with the pediatric population and feel more confident working with children in the future."

Led by Assistant Professor Mary O’Donnell, OTD, OT, MS, this is the third year the Institute has run the camp as part of the OTD program.

“Opportunities for our students to gain hands-on experience with clients early and often throughout their programs are integral to what we do at the IHP and help us prepare exceptional clinicians,” said O'Donnell.

The OTD students were not the only ones who benefited from the experience. One camper’s parent shared, “This camp struck the perfect balance between gaining OT skills and enjoying a memorable summer camp experience. The growth in our son’s independence, self-awareness, and joy was remarkable.”