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Wearing superhero capes and smiles, delegates at the fourth annual Western Territorial Adaptive Retreat played on bounce houses and flew kites. They snacked on snow cones and popcorn. They blew bubbles and played lawn games. The Saturday-afternoon carnival is a staple at the annual retreat, held this year April 17-19 at the College for Officer Training (CFOT) at Crestmont in Rancho Palos Verdes, California.
Themed “Dream Big,” the retreat hosted 21 people with disabilities and 23 caregivers, offering everyone a place to worship, make connections and have fun.
Dalton Low, a delegate from the Bakersfield (California) Corps, led the worship team during Saturday morning chapel with support from delegates Daniel Garcia and Jon Psaute in American Sign Language (ASL). Delegates were invited to use noise-cancelling headphones or fidget toys to help them be comfortable and focused during the session.
Estevan Rosa from the Hobbs (New Mexico) Corps delivered a testimony in ASL.
“God is my friend. I love God,” Rosa signed, prompting attendees to erupt in applause and ASL cheering.
Delegates created their own superhero scenes with the help of a green screen. The final movie premiered during chapel on Sunday morning. During the elective period, delegates could also take dance lessons, music lessons or craft their own superheroes out of paper while learning about the armor of God.
While delegates enjoyed electives, caregivers received massages and manicures to help them relax.
“The caregivers that travel in for the Adaptive Retreat are constantly pouring into other people,” said Jacqui Larsson, Social Justice and Disabilities Ministries Director for The Salvation Army Western Territory. “We really want to make sure that we take time to pour into them and let them know how important they are, but also give them an opportunity to relax.”
“This is what heaven will look like,” Commissioner Sue Betts said while watching delegates enjoy themselves at the carnival.
Naomi Blanco and her daughter Krystal Almanza shared a cotton candy at the carnival. Almanza has attended all four Adaptive Retreats and looks forward to the event every year. For Blanco, the Adaptive Retreat is one of many Salvation Army events where she can watch her daughter thrive and belong.
“I love seeing her interact with people,” Blanco said. “I love seeing her make new friends and see old friends.”
After dinner, delegates dressed in their best superhero costumes for a night of dancing and karaoke under colorful lights.
“I want the delegates to come away feeling that they’re loved, that they matter, that they’re making a difference in the world,” said Territorial Commander Commissioner James Betts. “That’s the main thing. Everybody matters.”
Do Good:
- The Salvation Army exists to meet human need wherever, whenever and however we can. See more here.
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