Oliver is a sweet, smart, creative young boy inside a tough exterior. When he earns your trust, he is a very well mannered, organized and appreciative. Music and dancing brings out the best of him. His face lights up a room when he is singing and smiling. He loves to sing and perform. He comes alive with dancing. He loves drawing, cutting, beading and playing creative building games.

A real “people-person,” Oliver was described by his volunteer as “very friendly.” She had attended camp the year before, he remembered her right away this summer! At camp, Oliver’s volunteer said that he would often copy her English. This speedy boy loves to make up games and is constantly on-the-go. He bonded well to his camp family, and cried when they had to say good-bye at the end of the week. Oliver’s volunteer writes, “He gives lots of hugs and kisses and holds people’s hands…He is very imaginative and would do great with an older sibling to guide his behavior.”

Another volunteer who spent time at camp with him said “My favorite moment with Oliver was at the classical orchestral concert. He relaxed and listened tentatively next to me with his head on my shoulder and my arms around him. He enjoyed the music so much and did not move except to clap after each piece. At the basketball game, he wasn’t too interested in the game, however, he looked forward to the breaks when the dancers would perform. He would observe and take notes in his notepad of all the dance moves. I loved watching him take center stage dancing and the excitement in his face when he was awarded best dancer. He was so proud.”

He has been diagnosed with intellectual disability, however, this was not what was observed at camp. With his small frame, weak body, bad eye and quiet nature, perhaps he has been misunderstood and misdiagnosed. His determination to learn superseded his disability. He is well below his peers in reading and writing, however, with proper tuition, love and attention, he will learn and become stronger. He is very smart, creative, observant and willing to learn. When he is happy and relaxed, he walks confidently with his head held high.

He will do very well in the future if given the chance. He is a very loving boy; He gives lots of hugs and kisses and holds people’s hands, and loves to chat with everyone. He just wants to be loved by his forever family. Oliver has the potential to thrive with the warmth of a parents’ love and consistent nourishment. Could he be your son?