TeachBeyond Brazil Celebrates First Neurodivergent Camp

TeachBeyond Brazil accomplished a significant milestone in November by hosting their first “Acampamento Exclusivo para Neurodivergentes,” a camp ministry fully adapted to meet the needs of neurodivergent individuals. The event was an initiative of TeachBeyond Brazil’s camp ministry, Acamp-Serra, which organizes camps, day camps and training in Gramado. While the first of anything brings significance in and of itself, what people often don’t see or notice is the initial thought that God lays on someone’s heart.

Pastor Glauco Ferreira of the Methodist Church, a church in Rio de Janeiro connected with Acamp-Serra, expresses how this camp went from a thought to reality. He starts with an anonymous quote which says, “Everything is impossible until someone decides to do it.” After voicing the dream of a camp that would serve autistic children and teenagers, Pastor Glauco heard the comment repeatedly that a camp like that would be too complex to even be possible. But that didn’t stop him. Instead of asking, “Will it work?” he started asking, “How can we serve better?” This thought process led to the fruition of the first TeachBeyond Exclusive Camp for Neurodivergent Individuals.

Camp was a welcoming and inclusive space, specially designed for neurodivergent children and teenagers, ages 8 and up. Campers participated in adapted and playful activities like theater performances, group dynamics, nature walks, themed dinners, and sensory breaks for rest. They also had moments of reflection and connection with nature, all while exploring their faith and developing social skills naturally. Counselors were also trained ahead of time to provide necessary support to ensure each camper felt valued and included. Participants also could have an adult accompany them.

What was the result? Autistic individuals were seen finding a place where they were loved in a practical way, and their families breathing a sigh of relief. The workers and volunteers of camp made it their goal to create a safe, predictable environment and what happened was that young people flourished and inclusion became a real experience, not just an idea and a hope. When welcome and inclusion is a decision, when the church chooses to love in a practical way, when people faithfully serve as God leads, the only thing camp can do is succeed by His grace. Information compiled from:

“Promo 2”
Pastor Glauco Ferreira