“I so enjoyed the arrival of the kids and a particular memory stays with me. One of the buses was pulling in, and those of us who were anxiously awaiting their arrival were shouting, clapping and cheering as they pulled in. I saw one young lady in the front of the bus clearly perplexed by this outpouring of excitement and she turned to another peer and said what are they clapping for? She seemed to have trouble understanding how all of these strangers could be so excited to see her. As I watched her check in, she clearly joined in the excitement.

I can’t imagine missing out on any element of this extraordinary week. The kids were phenomenal. I remember seeing Megan when she first arrived and she didn’t look as if she had smiled in years. Her time with her siblings was clearly of benefit to her. She laughed, played, providing them guidance and support. She left with a sense of hope that was not apparent when she arrived. Mark’s smile stays with me. He had a wonderful sense of humor, spirit and adventure and persevered at times when others would give up. Brian struck me as an exceptional young man who will be a wonderful Counselor in Training when his time comes. He talked about his dreams of opening a Bed and Breakfast. He is a kind, insightful young man who is extremely committed to his siblings and to people. There isn't enough paper to share all of the many stories about these kids, these unique and remarkable individuals who were generous and kind enough to share of themselves with us for a short time. Thanks to all of them.” -- Kristina Poly, Connecticut, first year volunteer counselor

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“The kids were amazing, and I still think of them. I never thought I could be who I was that week. A couple of amazing moments come to mind very clearly. A girl in my cabin who had disrespected me all week came to me crying and hugging me on the last day to express her gratitude to me. I was totally taken aback, yet so touched and glad she finally realized I cared for her. Another sister group in my family had a hard time communicating all week. Finally on the last day, the younger sister opened up to me about her life and her pain. Her older sister came up to her and they cried and talked about everything they never had a chance to say. Their story was so similar to mine and I am so glad I was a part of that connection. Thank you all. Life is not quite the same. I think I am going through withdrawals from all the love.” -- Marlena Clark, Iowa, first year volunteer counselor
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“After almost a week has passed, I still find myself in constant reflection of my time in Colorado. I felt such a deep sense of comfort and connection to both the campers and the counselors that surrounded me. I felt a family, dealing with sorrow, guilt, triumph, and strength. I felt love. Thank you for these gifts of family, love, trust, strength and beauty. I will carry them with me and keep them warm until next summer.” -- Lindsay Cutler, New Jersey, second year volunteer counselor
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“Camp was most amazing. Absolutely everything about it was amazing from people, kids, setting, programming, [Lynn], Andi, the mountains and I could go on and on and on. What I saw happen for the young people during the week will be forever imprinted in my heart and mind !!!” --
Martha Virgin, Maine, first year volunteer counselor
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“I already said to someone, even before Andi mentioned it, that camp is like a family reunion every year. I love that part of it. I also agree and had discussed with Shannon and Susan the fact that I felt that this year was the best overall as far as the dynamics among counselors and between campers. Thanks for yet another unforgettable week in Colorado.” -- Teresa DeBroux, Florida, fourth year volunteer counselor
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“Of the many fundraisers and events I have participated in throughout the course of my life, this was the most powerful. Perhaps, because of this, it is the hardest to put into words. It also re-confirmed my desire to become a foster parent some day, hopefully in the not too far future.

I helped three children - all under the age of 10 - off the bus, find their bags and get settled in. The two girls lived in one foster care home and the brother lived in another home. They seemed to be a little nervous, as any camper would be, being far away from the familiar. It was great to see them later on in the week having fun in the pool. It pleased me so much to help one of the girls learn to swim successfully enough to make it almost across the width of the pool by herself.

Yet another reason to be content with life and to be a leader, any way you can have an impact. Leadership is influence and we must use it.” -- Sharon Yandian, Virginia, first year volunteer counselor