For over fifteen years, the BackYard Players of Lynbrook has been providing a drama camp in addition to other arts-based experiences to teenagers and young adults with special needs. The activities have been enhancing, in numerous ways, the social and interpersonal skills for countless young people. Participants explore theatre games, songs, dance, improve, and sketch comedy. Volunteering for this organization for the past four years is graduating Waldorf senior Anja Resnick. One day a week, Anja travels to the St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Rockville Centre, where she assists in producing the many theatrical plays or music videos that the BackYard Players have been performing for families and friends.

“Being a volunteer at BackYard Players,” says Anja, “has taught me three very important lessons: the power of hope, the healing powers of friendship and, most importantly, an appreciation for every moment in life. No matter how bad my day was, when I leave BackYard Players, there is always a smile on my face, and that can only be contributed to the amazing group of people who light up that room every week.”

A graduating senior at the Waldorf School of Garden City, Anja has attended the private, independent school since nursery and is a resident of Rockville Centre. In addition to volunteering with the BackYard Players, Anja plays first-base on Waldorf’s Varsity Softball Team, runs on Waldorf’s Cross Country Team, sings soprano in the Waldorf Singers, takes gymnastics classes outside of school, works as a beach lifeguard and is a dedicated swimmer. Beyond the joys of working with young people with special needs, Anja hopes to someday apply the skills she has learned towards a future nursing career, should she choose that path.

For more information about the BackYard Players, visit www.backyardplayers.net.