I consider Camp SMILE to be my happy place. It is a camp of infinite charms where I have volunteered for the past two summers. There I have been paired with seven physically or mentally challenged campers ranging from the age of three to the age of thirty-three. Sponsored by United Cerebral Palsy, Camp SMILE is a program where everyone is welcome, regardless of age or level of ability. Each week, a camper is paired with a counselor who then cares for them twenty-four seven, taking them from the muddy depths of the lake to the spirited playing field to the weekly talent show. As a counselor I have found ways to be constantly energetic, function off of little sleep, and put someone else’s needs above my own. Yet, more than anything I have learned about the beauties of life from my experiences at Camp SMILE. My first camper, Annie, nonverbally found ways to sing and shine – dancing with every step and handing out hugs to anyone in need. Though only fourteen, she is my hero, my inspiration, and the love of my life. Ashley, another one of my autistic campers, taught me that the world can be made of string. In Mimi’s presence it was literally impossible to be unhappy. Around Margaret Anne one must not be afraid to dance and around Leon it’s always “tickle time.” For four weeks of my summer, I function off no sleep, eat dismal food, and endure public humiliation daily. Yet here I have found what I want to do for the rest of my life. Camp SMILE is my happy place. I organized Get Your Flags On in an effort to help the camp I love so much: a place which always has room for one more, a place where one is never turned away, a place where love is necessary and freely given. Thought of on a whim, the idea of holding a flag football tournament to benefit United Cerebral Palsy’s Camp SMILE was much simpler than the execution. My friend Caroline and I began with a name: Get Your Flags On. Then came the acquisition of permission. The mayor’s office granted us a permit for Mobile’s Municipal Park and also agreed to waive all electricity fees. After setting a date, May 27, 2007, I began the long process of hassling businesses for money. I typed a letter of intent which requested prize donations and event sponsorship and sent it out to firms city-wide. After compiling a registration form, I advertised in high schools, colleges, and any participating business. I hunted the city in search of prizes for tournament winners, receiving donations such as gift cards, iPods, sporting goods, flowers, food baskets, and more. I even went on the news to increase the awareness of Get Your Flags On. Every participant received, with their $15 registration fee, an event t-shirt, a goody bag filled with donations from generous stores, and a chance to win the city-wide tournament and thus receive our grand prizes. We had a clown and d.j. come to the park for free, offering entertainment to all. We also had Moes cater the event and residents of Christopherson Estates, a local community for disabled adults, came to watch the festivities. The long awaited day – May 27 – saw great success. Fourteen teams participated in the tournament, earning our event well over $1500. This money went to benefit Camp SMILE, contributing to the camp’s expansion and helping to provide sponsorships to financially challenged campers. Our event also generated awareness and publicity for the camp. With these developments, Camp SMILE received more donations and more support than ever before. Hopefully Get Your Flags On will be an annual event, only to grow larger and more successful with time.