Changing the Youth

Our camp unfolded like most other camps, except we took pride in adding special touch. In addtion to having the camp announced at school, we hand delivered invitations to all 5th and 6th grade students in the harder part of town. Delivering the invitations took a lot of time, but the experience was irreplaceable. We were able to meet the kids and see their home lives before they even came to the camp. Seeing their run down homes, broken families, and depressing environment allowed me to experience a deeper involvement in the camp. The kids who attended the camp came from all walks of life. Some kids were the athletic and popular type, some were the nerdy ones, and others just weren't sure who they were- but the kids dropped all of their barriers within the first few hours of camp. These kids grew so much during the camp. We gave them lessons on friendship, self esteem, drugs, leadership, and dance. The Mayor also came and talked to the kids about how they are our future, and how he hoped they would take the stuff they learned at camp and share it and use it. I know they we made a difference in these kid's lives. I wish that I could share the difference in their countenance from the first morning until our final good bye. We will continue to keep in touch with the kids, and let them know that we care.