A Place Where She Belongs: How One Family Found Confidence and Community at Timber Pointe

When Nikki and Andy McGirr first heard about Easterseals Central Illinois’ Timber Pointe Outdoor Center, they weren’t sure what to expect. Their daughter, Avery, who had received occupational, physical, speech therapy, and counseling through Easterseals Central Illinois since preschool, was quiet and shy—smart, but cautious about trying new things. 

Summer camp wasn’t something that felt possible.

That all changed when the McGirrs signed Avery up for day camp at Timber Pointe. Though she was hesitant at first—and saying goodbye each morning was tough—at pickup every day Avery was more talkative, more confident, and full of stories.

“At camp pickup, she was more talkative than she is on any normal day because she had so many exciting things to talk about,” Nikki said.

From the rock-climbing wall to the giant swing, fishing on the lake, cooking classes to arts and crafts, Avery embraced every part of camp life—even talent shows (though she’d never admit to enjoying them). Camp quickly became a place of possibility.

“She has participated in activities at Timber Pointe that we would never expect,” Nikki says, “She has blossomed at camp in ways we don’t fully understand—because she doesn’t always tell us everything, so it’s like she has her own little secret world out there.” 

Though Avery still feels nervous at the start of each camp week, the transformation that takes place by the end of each day is remarkable. For a child who struggles with separation and communication, Timber Pointe has become a place of growth, joy, and belonging.

“With the training the counselors receive, Timber Pointe is equipped to manage those moments of hesitation,” Nikki says, “We can leave her with the counselors knowing they will work with her and help her feel comfortable. They meet the kids exactly where they are. They don’t force success—they create the opportunity for it.”

“And the counselors who come back year after year?” she adds, “They’re the most special people in the world.”

For Andy, the experience has been just as impactful. “It’s the only place where I don’t feel like I have to explain or justify anything,” he says, “They just get her. They accept her. It’s a place where the rest of the world doesn’t matter.”

From the silliness of food-fight days and human foosball to the calm of lakeside fishing, the McGirrs have made Timber Pointe part of their family’s rhythm. Avery’s younger sister, Emmie, now 7, attends day camp as well. And the entire family has participated in family retreat weekends in the spring, summer, and fall.

“After getting to experience family camp and meet Avery’s counselors and see the relationships she has with them, I cried so much,” Nikki says, “I was so happy for her to have such a magical, fun space where she really felt connected with the people. It meant everything.”

Avery’s favorites? The giant swing. The rock wall. Cooking. Art. “Literally everything,” Nikki says, “She loves it all.”

Now 11 years old, Avery is headed into junior high. She’s a cheerleader, a pianist, a violinist in her school orchestra—and a camper who found her confidence in the woods of Hudson, Illinois.

“I feel so fortunate to have Timber Pointe in our community,” Nikki says, “It’s such a rare and special place. Most families have to drive hours and hours to find anything like it. We’re incredibly lucky it’s right here in our backyard.”

To learn more about Timber Pointe Outdoor Center and how your support can help children like Avery experience independence, growth, and joy in a fully adaptive outdoor environment, visit eastersealsci.com/timberpointe.