Unconfigured Ad Widget

Collapse

Unconfigured Ad Widget

Collapse

Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

A very special camp (and charity)

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • A very special camp (and charity)

    On Thursday, we took Rachel to the Hole in the Wall Camp for her one week session. It is the camp started by Paul Newman for kids with illnesses.

    On Friday at 1 in the morning we got a call from the camp because Rachel couldn't sleep (she has loads of sleep problems) and was having trouble with the heat, and by the time they called, she was hysterical and wanted to come home. They finally got her to the infirmary, which is cool and quiet, and she slept for about six hours. The next day, I thought she would crash, but she stayed up all day, and wanted to stay at camp.

    She called the following night, nervous about whether she would be able to sleep. But she was so tired that she did fall asleep in the cabin (eight girls in there) by midnight. They let her sleep the next morning (a counselor stayed in the cabin with her) and woke her at 10, and brought her breakfast. (They do everything for you at this place...it is amazing.) She called later that morning and said she had gone swimming, was having a good time.

    Since then, she has:

    1. Been fishing and caught a fish (her first fishing experience)
    2. Been up in a hot air balloon
    3. Been to a camp carnival
    4. Written a song
    5. Gone to a dance party and danced the whole time

    Tonight is stage night and she will be performing a skit there.

    This is the first real camp experience Rachel has had. I'm so happy she has been able to have this experience, and that there is a place that could accomodate all her health needs. (If you can't walk, they drive you in a golf cart, and she actually has her own counselor.) As you can see, they let her call home every night, which is something that works well for her. (It might make some kids more homesick, but it seems to help her recap her day and get excited about the next day.)

    Rachel has lived more of life in the past four days than she has in years. I am so very happy for her.

    So often we wonder where our charity money really goes. Well, now I can see what it does at this place. The camp is completely free for those who attend. The place is like a resort...absolutely beautiful. Please consider donating next time you are going to donate somewhere!

    She will be home on Wednesday and I think she will really miss it. They say that some kids spend all year just waiting for the next time they can go to their one week session. I can see why.

    Take a peek at the website:

    http://www.holeinthewallgang.org/

    Sharon

  • #2
    Sharon,

    I remember you posting that your daughter was going to attend this camp. I am so happy to hear that she has adapted, and is having a ball.

    It sounds like a wonderful camp, filled with well educated, trained and caring people.

    I can appreciate your gratitude toward these people, this camp, and all they do for those in need.

    I am going to make a small donation in honor of your daughter having such a wonderful experience. If you would like me to include your daughter's name and write a note of appreciation, I will gladly do so.

    Thanks for sharing.....this was a very sweet, and moving story.
    Angela

    If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.

    BTW, I'm still keeping track of how many times you annoy me.

    Comment


    • #3
      Oh, Sharon, I am all teared up after reading your post. Not just because of the great things the camp offers kids with major health issues, but because your daughter overcame some serious obstacles in the beginning and worked through them to have the time of her life. And of course, the camp is awesome for being so flexible and supportive of its campers. You must be just bursting, not to mention relieved after such a rocky start.

      Avery

      Comment


      • #4
        Wow, way to go Paul Newman!!

        I am happy to hear Rachel is having such a good time. What a wonderful experience for her.

        Comment


        • #5
          I am glad she had such a wonderful time at camp. We have one here called the Victory Junction Gang Camp. It was started by Kyle & Patti Petty in honor of their son Adam who died in a nascar race. It is based on Paul Newmans camp, in fact, he & Joanne were there for the grand opening. It is a wonderful thing that they do!! A friend of ours does volunteer work there every week providing horse rides for the campers.

          I always give to this charity. Last year I went to an auction and won a chain saw bear (a bear sculpted by a chain saw) and a rafting trip.

          In case you don't know Kyle Petty is Richard Petty's son. shaggy

          Comment

          Working...
          X