Stories from Camp Counselors and Participants, 2006

	"The Women and Kids Learning Together Summer Camp is one of the best experiences I've been through. I've had the pleasure of working with the kids, kids that are the most energetic, talented, and caring. Even though this camp was only a week I got to know each child as if they were my little brother or sister. I loved all the good times we shared, like learning new dances, cooking, and my favorite thing—painting plant pots. I hope this summer camp helped these kids find a path for what they want to do because it helped me open another door for what I love to do." Latoya Mack, 2006 Kids' Camp Counselor
	"I was surprised how much I learned from both the kids and the other counselors. During an activity where my presence wasn’t required I boldly flipped though the kids’ photos left in the main room. To me, the pictures spoke poignantly of who the photographer was and what his or her home life was like. I saw a range of living situations: small crowded apartments, trailers, houses populated with live-in relatives, homes in the country and the city both black and white but each and all distinctly Kentuckian....What allows this camp such flexibility and expandability are those who’ve poured their hearts into it. If it had not been for my fellow counselors who I can now call friends, for the directors and administrators who with their experience and drive gave me a model of success to look up to, I would have been lost and so would the kids. I feel that in this protean first year there is the energy and love to keep this camp at the center of the community and on the crest of a wave of knowledge, love, and education manifest by the combined experiences of all involved. I am proud to have been a part of it." Emmett Barton, 2006 Kids' Camp Counselor
	"My camp experience was a great one. It made me a better person as far as being able to communicate with people, and it helped me to let go of the past and look forward to a brighter future. I also believe that attending the camp is why I've obtained my GED. Thank you all!!" Latoya D., 2006 Camp Participant
	"Most of the children left with an obvious enthusiasm in topics they were leery to try. Additionally, they held themselves more proudly – especially as they displayed their accomplishments to their parents and others at the graduation. This was especially rewarding to observe.... I too, felt as though I grew a lot by the end of the camp. I felt more capable of my abilities to instill in children an interest and enjoyment of movement and an appreciation for different forms of dance. I also felt more assertive and able to handle unexpected situations that could arise..... In all it was absolutely rewarding, enriching, and invigorating. I am appreciative to have had the opportunity to work with the students as well as the counselors (who are all awesome people), and to have experienced all that arose during that week. I look forward, with enthusiasm, to next year’s encounter with new students at the camp." Crystal Kaya, 2006 Kids' Camp Counselor & Dance Instructor
	"At the graduation ceremony and dinner, all the participants (including the kids) presented their work from camp. Everyone told what the camp had done for them and I realized that I had been wrong on Monday. They all received a lot more than I had given them credit for. I think that I might have gotten more from them than they did me..... I did not share my work or say anything. I just kind of sat back and absorbed everything. All the emotions, all the beauty these women held inside themselves and I thought about my necklace from the beading workshop on Wednesday. I went into this camp with high expectations of myself. I hoped to be an example for these women. To show them what they could do and become if they just tried hard enough. I think somewhere along the way I realized that inside some of these women are a woman I could never aspire to be." Mary Ruth, 2006 Women's Camp Counselor
	"Camp was really great! My favorite camp memory was the bead class... it helped me move forward from my past experiences with my divorce and the loss of friends when I moved back to my hometown. I also thought that the painting class was so much fun. At this time, I don't have any plans for the future. I just take things one day at a time." Tamara E., 2006 Camp Participant
	"I definitely gained a lot of experience with the broader community. The white, middle-class bubble that I am used to was promptly popped at the beginning of the camp, and it was a great experience for me. I learned to love and tolerate some of the kids who were a little more unruly and with whom I did not "click" so quickly, and I gained appreciation and hope for the future in the kids who were mature beyond their years. This was my biggest outcome from the camp." Lindsey Thurman, 2006 Kids' Camp Counselor
	“Before I went to this camp I was down on my luck. I stopped believing in myself. While attending camp I listened to other stories just like mine, and they made it. They became more. So it made me want more for me and my children…. After camp I decided to go back to school. I’m majoring in photojournalism, and I really enjoy it. I also try to find the time to write in my journal. I would like to thank all the women who inspired me to start believing in myself again.” Jennifer C., 2006 Camp Participant
	". . . I want to say that this camp has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. I had so much fun, and made a difference in these kids’ lives. I made a few more friends not only with the kids but I got to know the counselors pretty well too! I have realized that sometimes doing things for other people brings more satisfaction and sense of self worth then always having someone do for you. I felt important, and needed. I loved being preparing the journal activity with Lindsey and helping the kids with decorating and writing in their journals. I loved reading what they wrote. I found out that I’m not much different then a lot of those kids. I had something in common with everyone there. Sometimes it takes a kid to bring you out of the seriousness of life and get in touch with your fun and silly side. Children remind us to not sweat the small stuff, and to just enjoy life. After all; 'All work and no play, makes life the hard way.' These kids helped me realize that. Thanks again for the opportunity to make a difference!" Amber Yates, 2006 Kids' Camp Counselor
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If you are interested in working with us for the 2009 Women & Kids Learning Together Summer Camp, please contact Michelle Glorioso through our staff page or by calling her at 270/745.6995.