Connect a child to Nature through a Week of Camp!

The summer has gotten off to a great start! We have made some new friends and connected with seasoned campers and staff. We will never be able to express our deep gratitude for the opportunities you continue to provide for so many children and their families. The past couple of weeks, parents have gone out of their way to share how much our camp has meant to their children and to them. Your support touches more than just the campers who are able to have the opportunity to connect and enjoy what lives around them in our natural world. The parents are appreciative financially, but also for the growth and excitement their kids have and share when they come home from camp. It is contagious!

Scarlet, one of our campers this past week, had first come to us for a day camp back in the spring. She was not really focused on the activities we were doing regardless of what that activity was.  Observing frogs, snakes, fish, plants, tracks, exploring the woods, or playing games were nothing of interest to her it seemed. She wanted attention, but with the lack of desire to participate the counselors were very challenged on how to keep her engaged, and make sure the rest of the campers were still having a great experience. During this past week, Scarlet was with a new group of campers. She was eager to make friends, participated and got excited about the activities and joined in the games with joy. At the end of the week, her mom, Laura, took time out to talk with us about Scarlett's experience. She said, “my daughter is really enjoying her week here, and really is interested in the things they learn. I am so happy to see her turn around from this spring and be interested in something. She has loved getting muddy, making new friends, and learning about the creatures in the swamp.  Thank you for all you do.”

At another of our camp locations, Diego was experiencing something similar to Scarlet. Diego’s mom sent us a wonderful note I wanted to share with you. You made this possible! Kristina  wrote: “I wanted to thank you for giving Diego the scholarship to attend Piedmont. It has meant so much to us. The first day I picked him up from camp, he was dirty, sweaty, with scraped knees, and so happy. I love knowing that he's playing outside, learning about his natural surroundings, and getting dirty! He tells us every day about what he learns and takes those skills out into the world. We took our dogs for a walk yesterday evening, and he was asking questions about things he saw and noticing more around him. I am so pleased and so grateful that you gave us this opportunity. This is a special camp.”

Your  donations help us expand our abilities to reach more deserving kids. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!