Axel is a charming young man with a sweet smile and a fierce determination. Although he has a number of physical challenges, he doesn’t let them stand in the way of his ambitions. Axel has mobility issues. The way his mother explained it, “he has 150 steps in him each day.” Once he reached that threshold, he had to rely on his motorized wheelchair. 

Axel was enrolled in the first session of NYLT in June of 2019. Adult and youth staff were committed to making sure that he was included in every aspect of the course. They worked to ensure access to toilet and shower facilities, a clear path to the campsite and a plan for transportation to all program areas. Most importantly, they wanted not only to accommodate him, but they also wanted to include him.

When the scouts arrived, they were placed in patrols. Most of the scouts did not know each other. Team building activities help break the ice and allow scouts to get to know each other. Youth staff set the example. Over the next few days, we witnessed scouts who had come up and offer their arm as Axel navigated through the campsite, scouts who made sure his opinion was heard, scouts who carried his chair from one program area to the next. The ways big and small that he was included became natural. As the days passed, it became routine. To the scouts, it was likely no big deal. Axel was their brother; he was a member of the patrol.

Every scout deserves an Axel experience.