OK, so, first my inspiration: Anthony.
Anthony is a young boy (I think he's like 10, I can't remember exactly) in CC4-H (Charles County) who has Downs' Syndrome. He's really a sweet child, and very fun to be with, although some people don't like him very much . Thankfully, whenever he comes to camp, nearly everyone goes out of their way to talk to him and help him .
That brings me to my next subject: camp. This year at day camp, I have the privilege of being one of the junior counselors (Leaders In Training, or LITs) in Anthony's "tribe". Having known him for a few years, Anthony trusts me and lets me help him, and I find it a rewarding experience. So that brings me to the question:
Have you ever helped a mentally retarded child, and if not, would you want to?

I never have but I have tons of respect for the people that do.

I for one (and I'm being brutally honest) don't have the patience to deal with mentally challenged people. They make me really uncomfortable. I am very impressed that you help out. It's something I don't think I could do.

Hey bignate, my brother's autistic, and it's a very interesting experience. It can be very hard to deal with him sometimes, but I love him a lot . Thanks to him, I've had a lot of respect for those who are mentally challenged and those who help them.

mdynasty926 : I know what you mean, autistic kids or kids with Downs' Syndrome, or other such mental disabilities, are sometimes a pain, but always some of the sweetest, most lovable kids around, if you can put up with them. I have an autistic cousin, and know a few friends with autistic siblings. Putting up with them... and with Anthony... can be difficult sometimes, but is always rewarding.

In about grade five, there was a boy in my class named Robbie with epilepsy. It made him a little "different" but he was a really nice kid... I'll always remember him. Fortunately everyone accepted him and nobody cracked jokes or anything.

My auntie's job is to give one-on-one swimming lessons to challenged kids. It helps relax, and gives them something recreational to do... It also helps a ton with mobility/motor problems. Sometimes she would bring kids to our pool (instead of the rec center).

I'll always remember this one boy named Matt who was deaf (and something else that I don't remember)... I learned some sign-language with him but unfortunately I can't remember that either.

I've never "looked after" a mentally challenged person, but I don't feel uncomfortable, you just need to have a little more patience and understanding... I think it's really rewarding to help out

Yes for an hour
Actually it was a part of my practise during a university course.
I have to admit that it was very difficult, but I gave my best and eveything was good!
Also, those kids were huging me all the time, after the lesson that I had to teach them
It was the best reward for my hard work