SOMO News

Lynna Hodgson (athlete leader/PR assistant) — 

Thursday, July 17, 2025 – Arrival Day at Camp!

We officially kicked off our camp adventure today! We left Blue Springs at 12:53 PM and made a quick stop at McDonald’s for lunch—because no road trip is complete without fries, right?

We rolled into TLC a little after 3 PM. Once we arrived, we unloaded the van, grabbed our stuff, and headed inside to check in. Jesse went through the nurse check and joined up with his group while we got settled down the hallway with our bedding.

Not long after, I ran into Zach and Kayla—it was great to catch up with both of them. I asked if there was anything specific they wanted me to help with at camp. Kayla quickly got to work, pulling me and a few athletes aside to shoot a fun little video for the truck raffle. I also made sure to snap some photos throughout the evening—can’t miss capturing these memories!

Each group got creative making posters to represent their team names. This year’s theme is Hollywood, and the four groups are:
🎬 Pirates of the Caribbean
🎬 The Rookie
🎬 Avatar
🎬 Jurassic Park

After decorating, the teams took turns presenting their posters—it was so fun watching them share what they made! I got to take their group pictures too, and let me tell you, the energy and teamwork were amazing. I just love seeing all the athletes collaborating, laughing, and having a blast.

Dinner was pizza, salad, and fruit… and yep, we had to order more pizza—oops, but totally worth it! During dinner, Susan Shaffer talked to the campers, laid out the camp rules, and gave a preview of what’s coming up over the next few days.

The evening wrapped up with a movie night. While I was editing photos, I kept hearing so much laughter coming from the movie room—it honestly made my heart so full. There’s nothing better than hearing pure joy.

I’ve got my alarm set for 7 AM because Day 1 officially starts tomorrow! Everyone got loaded up onto the buses and taken to the dorms for the night (I was supposed to get on the first round… whoops again 😂). Once we got our stuff, we headed to our rooms to settle in and get ready for bed.

Here’s to an awesome start—can’t wait for what tomorrow brings!

Friday July 18, 2025- Day One Adventures: Early Wake-Ups, Stretches & Sports Fun

Our day started a little earlier than expected—at exactly 7:00 AM, just as my alarm was going off, someone knocked on our door. For a second, I panicked, thinking we were running late. Thankfully, we were right on schedule, and that small reassurance helped me start the day feeling more relaxed.

We headed to the cafeteria for breakfast. Because the upper dining area is being remodeled, we ate in the lower section. After everyone finished eating and cleaned up their plates and trash, Susan Shaffer gathered us all together to go over the morning schedule.

Soon after, we loaded into the van and made our way to TLC. Once we arrived, we met up in the gym and split into our assigned groups. I got to lead everyone in some morning stretches—which felt like a great way to start the day, especially since many of the athletes were feeling sore. Honestly, I think we should make that a daily thing!

The morning was filled with activities. There were four different stations: flag football, basketball, disc golf, and Health & Wellness. Over in the Health & Wellness session, athletes made a healthy (and delicious!) snack. Everyone was engaged, moving, learning, and having fun.

When lunchtime rolled around, we hopped back on the bus and returned to the cafeteria. The menu gave us some great options: spaghetti, skinless chicken, steamed broccoli, and rice. After lunch, it was time for a well-deserved break back at the dorms for some R&R before the afternoon activities.

I checked in with a few athletes to see how their morning went, and here’s what they had to say:
• “Great!”
• “I had a lot of fun learning a new sport!”
• “It was really hot outside!”

So far, it’s shaping up to be a fantastic day full of energy, new experiences, and big smiles.

Day One Afternoon: Fishing, Fun & Smiles All Around

By 3:02 PM, we were at the creek—and the fun was just getting started. The athletes had the chance to go fishing. While not many fish were caught, a few athletes did get lucky and reeled in some good ones. My brother even caught two! The excitement on their faces was priceless.

Alongside fishing, there was mini golf, and I think that was a favorite for many. It gave everyone a chance to relax, laugh, and enjoy something light-hearted. Yard games were also a big hit—there was so much energy and laughter all around!

And what goes best with a busy afternoon? Snacks, of course!

After our outdoor adventures, we packed up and headed back to the dorms. Once there, we gathered in a dorm hallway for dinner—and tonight’s meal was Raising Cane’s! It was delicious and definitely a crowd-pleaser.

After dinner, things slowed down in the best way. Some athletes grouped up to play card games, while others sat in circles just talking and hanging out. I looked around the room and saw nothing but smiles and laughter. That moment stuck with me—it felt like the perfect ending to a full, joyful day.

Later on, we had another snack break, with options like ice cream sandwiches and more. Just a sweet little treat to close the evening.

One moment that really stood out for me today: while we were playing mini golf, I noticed an athlete didn’t look well. I quickly grabbed a cold bottle of water for them. They started feeling better, and I felt so thankful that I could help. It reminded me that even the small things we do can mean a lot.

On the bus ride back, I asked some athletes what they thought of the day’s activities. Here’s what they shared:
• “My favorite was fishing.”
• “I loved mini golf. I haven’t played since I was little.”
• “I enjoyed the morning routine—I really liked the sports!”

The best part of my day? Seeing athletes help each other out. That’s what it’s all about—fun, friendship, and showing up for one another.

Day One: A big success.

Saturday, July 19: Day 2 at Camp – Making Memories and Using Time Wisely

This morning started off strong—I actually beat my alarm! I got through my morning routine, prepped everything I needed for the day, and told my roommate I’d meet her at breakfast. But before heading to the cafeteria, I noticed a group walking around the big circle outside. I decided to join them—and I’m so glad I did.

As we walked, I had the chance to visit with some of the athletes and get to know them a little better. One of the coaches even shared the history of the statue in the center of the circle. It was such a neat moment to learn something new in the middle of our morning walk.

Eventually, we crossed the road together (safely, of course!) and made our way to breakfast. The menu was the same as yesterday, but the company made it feel fresh. After we all cleaned up our trays and trash, Susan spoke with us and let us know there’d been a change of plans for the afternoon due to the heat. Outdoor activities were being moved indoors—which was definitely a smart call.

At some point in the morning, Susan asked me if I could put together a slideshow of everything we’ve done the past few days. I felt so honored that she thought of me—it honestly made my whole day!

After R&R, we all loaded up the bus and headed to the TLC. Everyone was excited and ready to jump in. As I went around visiting each group, all I saw were smiles. Everyone was engaged, laughing, and just enjoying being together. I love moments like that—moments I can capture on camera or video that really show the spirit of camp.

The afternoon flew by, and before I knew it, it was dinner time. Once the last session ended, we headed to the gym and waited for food to be served. I helped pass out plates as everyone came through the line. The athletes were full of energy and smiles. We had Jersey Mike’s with chips and salad—so good! And of course, the fun didn’t stop there.

After dinner, it was time to DANCE! It was such a joy seeing everyone let loose, dance together, and just have fun. I snapped some awesome pictures before stepping out to download and edit them. I uploaded everything to Dropbox and took a moment to finish up my daily blog.

While I worked, I remembered something Zach told me at Selection Camp last month: “Use the time wisely.” That stuck with me. I didn’t stay at the dance the whole time, but I could still hear the laughter from down the hall—and that made me smile.

While waiting for the pictures to finish uploading, I rested my head and closed my eyes for a few quiet minutes. Before long, it was time to go. We loaded up the bus one last time and headed back to the dorms.

I can’t believe we head home tomorrow. Time really does fly when you’re surrounded by great people and unforgettable moments.

Sunday, July 20, 2025 – Until Next Year

It’s hard to believe that we’re already heading home. What a FUN few days we’ve had!

After breakfast, we loaded up the bus (we had to make two trips!) and headed over to the TLC. Once we arrived, we gathered all our belongings and organized them into groups so it would be easy to find when it was time to be picked up.

The athletes who had medicine went to see the nurse so it could be packed up safely in their suitcases. Then they all headed outside—because the Disc Golf tournament was about to begin!

I started taking photos, and then Susan found me and got me set up to show the slideshow. She sat and watched it with me, and after it ended, she told me I did a really great job. That meant a lot to hear—I felt really proud.

Susan and I then went outside to catch the final moments of the tournament. Once everyone was back inside, we gathered in the gym for one last special moment together. Susan said a few words, and then the slideshow began. I was hoping everyone would like it… and once I heard the clapping and the laughter, I knew they did. It was so fun to hear people shout, “Hey! That’s me!”

Then it was time for the closing ceremony. Everyone got their camp t-shirts, tie-dye shirts (that they made yesterday), their certificates of completion, and even a picture with a fish—if they caught one! Slowly, parents began arriving, and we all started going our separate ways.

⸻

Final Thoughts

Wow… what a fun and meaningful few days.

I’ll admit, when I first found out that Kayla and Zach wouldn’t be here this year, I wasn’t sure how I felt. But then I remembered—they both told me they believed in me. That gave me confidence. I did my best.

What I saw this week were athletes thriving—laughing, bonding, and building friendships. I was asked a few times if I missed being a camper. My honest answer? “50/50.” Yes, I loved being a camper. But I also really love being behind the scenes—seeing athletes have fun, getting to know them, and capturing their moments on camera. I feel like I’m giving back to Special Olympics Missouri, because SOMO has given so much to me.

I love seeing everyone have fun. I love being there to help when someone needs it. And I love stepping into a leadership role where I can support and encourage others.

Thank you to my parents for watching my dog and driving me to and from camp. Thank you to Special Olympics Missouri for holding this camp. And a huge thank you to Susan Shaffer for everything you do—and for inviting me to be a part of it.

Until next time! 💙

– Lynna Hodgson (athlete leader/PR assistant)

Click here to view all the photos from this amazing weekend!