Story of Hope: Reese
“When I arrived my tribe was made of a bunch of girls my age (and an awesome counselor) that were from all around the country. Most of the girls in my tribe were very different from each other in one way or another. That is kind of what Camp is about. Our counselor helped us connect to each other, have fun together, laugh, enjoy spa nights and before the week was over we had become friends. Still to this day we have a group text chain that keeps us connected. We were even plotting to try to attend the same week in 2020 – before Covid happened. I learned that camp is a place to make amazing friends and memories.
Before Camp I thought that healthy food wouldn’t be as good as food like Chick-fil-A fried chicken, but once I met Chef Collins I knew I was wrong. He is the best chef ever and I want to try everything he cooks. The best part is knowing that he is serving us healthy food fresh from the farm. We actually thought Collins’ had cooked real spaghetti, but it turned out it was a vegetable from the garden! Every day of my life I’d choose Collins’ healthy food rather than anything else. It’s easier to try new things when your friends are doing it too.
Something else I learned at Camp is about the military. We learned how the military protects our life in the United States and how they sacrifice for people they don’t even know. Mr. Joey came to speak to us and seeing that he lost his legs in war it showed me how much he dedicated his life to others and how we should also care for others.
Something that I learned from Camp is to be kind to everyone no matter what. It’s very easy to be only thinking about ourselves, and believe that my experiences are the same as other peoples, but that is not always true. Other people may have different lifestyles and experiences and may not be blessed in the same way I am. Kids are bullied and made fun of all the time, or they have scary things happen to them. I learned that Camp is a place where you can be yourself and no one will judge you. Camp has taught me so much and has changed my life by showing me that being kind is always right. As we always say at Camp, Love is the Remedy! “
– Reese K, camper