Camp Happiness 2008 - Volunteer Stories

Joanne Hayes:
I was an Elk volunteer for two days at Camp Happiness and I am so disappointed that my schedule wouldn't allow me to be there the whole week. This was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. On the first day I had a hard time keeping back the tears. The excitement and smiles on the faces of the candidates for the simplest things; just watching the Camp Leaders sing a song, then the candidates joining in clapping and singing and this was just the beginning of a wonderful relationship. I have to commend the young Group Leaders from the camp -- they were so patient and positive with all the participants. When we were on the tour of the grounds, one of the young men stated to his Opportunities staff person "he was having fun today". Also, on our walk through the woods M. sang "George George George of the Jungle" and I made the comment, that's a good song. The next thing I knew R. was behind me and sang the whole song of George of the Jungle and then informed me that it was from a 1960's cartoon! Today we played on the basketball court and everyone was pretty athletic including K. who was in a wheelchair. In the afternoon they were climbing the rock wall. One girl M., wasn't even going to go inside the building but after watching, she too climbed the wall. It was amazing the courage that these candidates have. They are so unselfish and encouraging with each other, we could all learn from their innocence. I asked A. if she liked the camp and she said, "I Love It and I don't want it to end"! I feel like I am the one who gained from this experience. Next year you can be sure my schedule will be open for the whole week of Camp Happiness. I feel like I'm rambling on but, it's so hard to express all the things that happened in these two short days that will stay in my heart forever. Thank you for this opportunity.

Darlene Chas, Craft Instructor:
Today was the first day at Camp Happiness and my first day as a volunteer. I was a little nervous and I had no idea what to expect. We had a few setbacks, i.e. the bus got lost, and they were late but finally made it to the camp. Once they got there and I saw their beautiful faces and smiles in awe of the camp on the lake, I knew I made the right decision to volunteer. I don’t know who had more fun, the campers or me. Each day a group of 8 or 16 came to our craft cabin and we are making camping visors with our assistance and direction. They did great. Now they have a gift to wear with pride and remembrance of Camp Happiness to take home with them.

Neita McViegh, Craft Leader:
The campers were enjoying painting and decorating their visors. Their smile when they finish and see their faces in the mirror is worth 1,000 words. They have amazing creativity and color sense. They are proud to show off their work at the end of our sessions and we decorated the craft room with their work so on Friday when their parents come, they will see with their own eyes the pride and personal growth and satisfaction of their sons and daughters. What a great experience to be a part of; this is an honor.

Toni Stein, Craft Instructor:
Crafts today were in the main hall so we had wheelchair accessibility because it’s the only building at camp that is wheelchair accessible. The campers enjoyed craft time creating their visors, painting on construction paper and displaying their work.

Judy Brounscheidel (Day 1):
As the campers walked down the path to the mess hall, just getting off the bus their faces showed excitement and some a little scared of the beginning of a new experience. In my group were D. & B., whom I know through Challenger Baseball. As usual D. was the spokesperson for the group. His caring for his “girlfriend” T. is very touching. B. had his usual smile. M. has become my challenge – not speaking, but as I got his food he seemed to manage two helpings of everything. I placed the ball in front of him and you could tell he loved kicking the ball with a smile. I’m looking forward to tomorrow.

Judy Brounscheidel (Day 2):
M. has started coming out of his shell. He ate four helpings of rice by pushing his plate towards me not being able to say a word. He participated in kickball and tracing my hand with chalk on the blacktop. C. is doing well today. The first day he just walked around and talked to himself. Today he played kickball, colored with chalk and I never saw him talking to himself and being alone. He was enjoying himself.

Judy Brounscheidel (Day 3):
Everybody is enjoying camp with lots of smiles and high fives. Today was craft day for our group. Everyone decorated visors. M. and C. seemed to be so proud of their hats. They have come a long way since the first day. C. even climbed the rock wall. T. and D. made it to the top. T. (our quiet one) even climbed. K. tells everyone that he and I had made taco salads. He loves to eat. He brings his lunch and then eats camp food. We are all enjoying ourselves.

Judy Brounscheidel (Day 4):
Today was the big day to climb the big wall outside. A. almost made it to the top with everyone cheering him on. After lunch everyone went outside for a dance. T. (our quiet, shy one) came out of her shell and danced like a pro. What rhythm. Too bad D. wasn’t there, as le loves to dance.

Judy Brounscheidel (Day 5):
The last day of camp comes with sadness and joy. Everyone loved his or her awards and t-shirts. We all left with heavy hearts but with “happiness” that this week had given us. We will be back next year.