I just want to say "thank you" for the amazing camp experience that you gave my
daughter this past week. She has been going to church and Sunday school every Sunday since
she was a baby, and she knows all the Bible stories inside out, etc. She's an all-around good kid.
But I gave you a spiritual child and you returned to me a spiritual young adult. The depth of the
conversations that we had on the way home from camp and then in the car on the way over to
my Mom's to pick up her sisters took me a bit by surprise. She matured in her faith
immeasurably in the three days she spent with you. It is a wonderful thing to watch a child
grow in God — but you guys know that because I'm sure that's what keeps you doing this year
after year.
Thank you so much for giving the gift of your time to the ministry of these young
adults. God bless you!
— A mother of a confirmation camper
The kids always have a wonderful time at [Camp] Fontanelle, and are eagerly awaiting
next year. However, I especially want to commend you all on the Boys Only camp; despite the
fact that I cried most of the way home because I was leaving my child all by himself at camp for
the first time (I know, completely ridiculous), I knew that he would be safe and have a
wonderful time. He was SO excited about the week when I picked him up, especially about the
devotions that they had done with each of their projects (which he wanted me to read as soon
as we got home). He even said that he would someday want to become a counselor :). Thanks
again for all Camp Fontanelle does for families.
— A thankful mother
Dear local United Methodist Church
For the past couple years you have been helping me go to Camp Fontanelle's F.R.O.G.
Camp. Summer '09 was my last year at that camp. It broke my heart to know that I wasn't
coming back. F.R.O.G. Camp was an amazing experience. During my first year of camp I
accepted Christ into my life and by my last year I was helping other people accept Christ.
The camp helped me with my leadership skills. It introduced me to different people and
different ways to worship. When I was younger and was being forced to go to church I didn't
really pay attention, but at this camp I paid attention I learned new things. And now when I go
to church I want to go, and I want to pay attention and learn about Christ.
Without your help I would have never gone to this camp, and I wouldn't be the spiritual
person I am today. So thank you for all of your help. I appreciate it a lot.
— A changed camper because you gave
I didn’t want to come to camp. I didn’t want to fit in. I didn’t want people to care about
me because I didn’t really like me. Now I don’t want to go home, I fit in, and these people love
me!
— A past gang member
What did you do to my child? She is being nicer, she picks up after herself, and she
smiles all the time. I love it! Can I send my husband to camp?
— A mother of a teen camper
About this time every year Camp Fontanelle publishes the assorted camps scheduled
over the summer. Each year prior to last I had the same conversation with my son. I think many
moms and dads probably have similar ones with their children. It goes something like this,
"Camp Fontanelle has some really fun camps advertised, would you like to try one this year?"
His response was always an emphatic "no". All the prodding and cajoling got me nowhere.
Last year something remarkable happened. A friend had invited my son to camp and let
him choose the time and selection. My son said yes and I was slack jawed but tried not to show
it. He was quiet the days before camp and was worried all they would do was "sit around and
talk about the bible."
I dropped him off on a sultry August day and prayed that he wouldn't hate it. He bravely
said goodbye and reluctantly joined his group in a game. I remember watching him and was
scared he'd be miserable. After all, I had never been to camp and had no experience with Camp
Fontanelle. I said a small prayer for him and left my child in the counselor's hands. I wrote
emails every day and continued my vigilant prayers.
Four days is an eternity to a parent who is worried about her child. However, the day
finally came to pick him up. Again, I said a quick prayer and shook my head. I was in for another
shock and was completely unprepared. The same boy that begged me not to sign him up for
camp every year greeted me with a gigantic smile across his face. I can't describe it properly but
he was glowing.
He immediately introduced me to several friends he had met that week and couldn't
wait to show me around the camp. He was talking incessantly about the tree climbing,
swimming, cabins, archery, fishing, camp counselors, the list went on and on. He gave me a tour
of the camp and surroundings as if he were the ambassador.
As we loaded the car he was waffling between the Tree Climbing and Boys Only Camp
for next year! He talked about the benefits of both and thought it would be a difficult decision
to make next year. Again, I was shocked.
In the following days I slowly asked about his bible experiences for the week. He quoted
things the counselors had shared about the bible and God. There was no mistake about it; he
had found God at camp. I silently understood the glow and said a prayer of thanks.
His love for camp hasn't wavered in the last year and he continues to be excited about
this summer. In fact, last week was Camp Sunday at Church and he was asked to speak to the
congregation about his experience. He boldly grabbed the microphone and spoke about his
love. What a change camp can make.
— A mother of a camper invited by a friend
Camp is my happy place.
My wrists don’t see sunlight all summer long because of all the friendship bracelets I get
at camp. I don’t take them off once school starts I have to wait until they fall off. Otherwise that
is bad luck.
At camp you don’t have to be afraid to be your true self.
“Because of Camp!” Is my general answer when asked why I am doing something
strange or different?
— A summer camp staff member
The truly amazing thing about camp is it brings out the best in everyone.
Before camp I couldn’t even take Nancy to Wal-Mart without her having an episode
because of having to walk outside and being in a public place. Now we can go to Wal-Mart, to
the park and to family gatherings. Camp had change her entire outlook on the outside world.
— A mother of an adults with developmental
disabilities camper
My name is Kristy. I have CP [cerebral palsy] but, I go to camp anyway. Camp has helped
me by giving me a place where I feel the same! Last year I was doing the ropes course and one
of the campers told me I could do it so I took a breath then finished. Camp also helped me
reach God more now that I am home. I'm trying to build on the “I can” instead of the “I can’t” I
am the only one in my family that has a disability. I love camp because of the changes I see in
me and I to have friends and the chance to how people the real me. I hope to go back and climb
the wall and go prairie surfing again and go down the slide at the pool. I hope who ever sees
this will help camp.
— Kristy, an adults with developmental disabilities
camp attendee