The summer of 2006, marked the 15th season of Camp Chatterbox. Throughout the years Camp Chatterbox has gained national and international recognition; receiving several prestigious awards for program excellence. Most families first come to Camp Chatterbox seeking that therapeutic excellence. They return year after year seeking the therapy, the fun but most importantly, the warmth and support of being a member of the Chatterbox family. Its members serve as an embodiment of fun, friendship and caring. It has been the birth and growth of our family that serves as Camp Chatterbox's greatest achievement. According to Dale Carnegie, "People rarely succeed unless they have fun in what they are doing." If that statement is true, not only is Camp Chatterbox synonymous with success, but each and every person who has been a part of Camp Chatterbox, has experienced success.

To celebrate our 15 Seasons of Success, the Childrens Specialized Hospital Foundation raised the funds to host a reunion for the Chatterbox family. Campers - children who use AAC, siblings, parents, counselors and therapists, who attended the program between 1992 and 2006, were invited to the event. Over 120 “campers”, some coming from as far away and England and Vancouver, BC, attended the festivities in Wildwood, NJ. The event included a Welcome Reception, a Pool Party, and a Banquet complete with gifts for all of the campers, trophies for 5 and 10 year honorees, special wine glasses for the Toast, and a DJ who brought everyone to the dance floor. While it was thought that the commemorative Photo Memory Book would serve as the impetus for conversation, it was the simple reuniting of friends and family that sparked conversation and laughter.

The fact that those who have shared so deeply in the lives of others were again reunited was significant. The environment of love that has become the most special part of the Chatterbox family was recreated within minutes and evident throughout every moment of the weekend events. It was a special gift to be able to see children, who you have watched grow both in age and in skills, return as successful young adults. This served as an inspiration for some of the new and young members of the family. It was incredible to see many of these individuals independently communicate with each other. It was a gift to be reunited with so many parents who have taught us more about life than an AAC practitioner could ever teach them about language or AAC technology. It was a gift to be reunited with staff members, who contributed so significantly to the success of the program. The greatest gift was to be surrounded by family, the Chatterbox family.

To quote one of our parents, "The "high" from that Camp Chatterbox feeling takes awhile to come down from. It was a wonderful weekend! It was "hard to leave" because there was so much love in that room."

Thanks to those who helped sponsor this event. Enjoy viewing our Chatterbox Memory Book video and the video of the reunion events.