Getting Outside After 13 Years
One Brave Boy, A Camel Ride, And A Lot Of Patience
Some kids need a bit more time. One participant, let’s call him Calvin, hadn’t left the house much, not for a long time.
At 13, this was only his second time going somewhere new in his life. The first was a quiet visit to the zoo. The second? A camel farm.
Calvin has big anxiety around being near people. Being out in public makes him overwhelmed, and when that happens, he sometimes reacts by grabbing people.
Jess wanted to help him practise being around others in a way that felt safe. So she did something smart, she brought her daughter along as a gentle in-between.
Not just a support worker, not a stranger, someone calm and familiar. “We used her as the bridge,” Jess said, “so he could start learning that people can be safe.”
One Lap At A Time: Calming Anxiety Without Pressure
The camel farm was busy. Jess knew it might not go perfectly, and it didn’t. “It was not that successful,” she said honestly. “He cried hard. He didn’t want to come out.”
But here’s where it matters, she didn’t give up. She asked everyone else to give them space, settled him in the car, and promised him, “One lap. Just one round and we’ll come back.” And that’s what they did.
One lap. Then back to the car to rest. Then, when he was ready, another lap. Then rest again. Slowly, gently, Calvin started trusting the process.
Practising Turn-Taking And Being Near Others
This trip wasn’t just about camels. It was about being around people, learning to wait, to take turns, and to share space.
Before, even a small group of people could overwhelm Calvin.
Now, with some patience and the right support, he’s starting to settle even when there are four or five people nearby. That’s a big shift.
Support That Sees The Bigger Picture
Why does this matter? Because this wasn’t about making him ride camels or forcing a fun day out. It was about helping him learn that he could be in a new space, feel overwhelmed, and still come back to calm.
He also started to learn about things like waiting your turn, sharing space with others, and staying safe with his body. These aren’t just behaviours, they’re the building blocks of being part of a community.
Now, when there are four or five people around, Calvin settles better. He’s starting to notice others. To connect. And that’s a big deal.
Even when a day doesn’t go perfectly, there’s still progress. And that’s what Life-Lifting is all about, helping you and your child take the next step, at your pace, in your way.