My name is Stephanie and I am nine years old. My parents always said I'm special and now that I'm growing up they have explained to me that I was born with a chromosomal disorder called Down Syndrome.

This is too complicated for me to understand but I have to work hard to learn about everything. I need to visit people, whom my mum calls therapists, after school hours. But the most important thing is that I don't feel any different and believe that some day I will get there.

One day after school, my mother handed me an envelope with my name on it. As I opened it, I got extremely excited. My mum helped me read it. The letter was about camping at Ir-Razzett tal-Hbiberija. Wow camping! and at Ir-Razzett tal-Hbiberija!

This is my favourite place. I really enjoy going there as there are so many activities going on, like horse riding and pottery. Now I could even get to sleep there for two nights. Last year I went there for summer school. I even learnt to swim and everyone was so proud of me as before I was so scared.

The day before I helped my mum pack my bags and my brother taught me how to use the sleeping bag and the torch. The day finally arrived! Hooray! Before we left home, I checked the list of items I had to take with me. I wanted to make sure I did not forget anything. I was so excited. This was my first camping experience.

My brother and my mother accompanied me to the Razzett and Jacqueline and her team who usually take care of us were waiting for me at reception.

I met the other 33 children - not just children with Down Syndrome or special needs. Everyone carried loads of bags just like me. Some also brought bicycles and scooters.

I went upstairs and met some of my friends. I found a mat near theirs and I prepared my sleeping bag and pajamas. More children kept coming and the boys were so naughty. At around 7 p.m. we all went down in the hall for dinner.

First we ate pasta and then we had chicken and potatoes. When we finished eating we were told that we had to wash our plate and cutlery. This time I had to manage on my own.

At 9 p.m. we left Ir-Razzett for a night hike. I was so excited and I think all the others were too. We all had torches and we were going to need them, it was so dark outside. I really enjoyed it. After the hike, we watched Harry Potter, after which we went upstairs to sleep.

Mum wasn't there to help me undress and put on my pajamas so I had to try and cope. I never slept away from home and was feeling a bit strange. At 10 the lights went off but we used our torches under our blankets and sleeping bags and it was all so exciting. I think I slept very late.

The next morning we were all up at 5. Some children could not sleep so they woke up the others, including me. We were allowed to go outside to play for a while before breakfast. I played ball with my friends.

After breakfast we set off on a three-hour hike. Our destination was Delimara. We saw some wonderful views of the sea and countryside. We stopped half way for brunch.

People might think that because I am a child with special needs I cannot do things just like other children do. But I made it. I walked and walked and at noon we were back at base.

I was so proud of myself. I was so hungry and thirsty by the time we arrrived. After dinner I needed to relax for a while and lied on my sleeping bag. Some children played board games. Others listened to stories. I joined the latter group.

At 4 p.m. we were going for a swim in the indoor pool. I had to put on my bathing suit and also prepare my bag so that after I could take a shower. Jacqueline prepared a list of items we had to put in our bags and that way I could read one item at a time and pack it in my little bag. We played games in the pool and it was so much fun. After I had a shower we ate dinner.

The boys watched The Incredibles and us girls decided to have a pajama party. We ate sweets and played board games. After an hour or so I started to feel sleepy and I was the first one to sleep!

Sunday morning I woke up late and it was not a nice day. It poured with rain and this made me feel slightly depressed. Also, it was the last day of camp. I missed my family terribly but on the other hand I was having fun and I knew I would miss my new friends. I just did not want this adventure to end. After breakfast we had to pack all our things and were off to church.

This was a great experience for me. I love doing things just like other children. This camp taught me a lot of life skills. Now I am looking forward to go to summer school even more.

By the way, I am also sharing some photos with you. I hope that when I go to Ir-Razzett I will meet some of you readers there.

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