Greg, Kayleen and Antonette

I’d like you to meet Greg, 18, Kayleen, 15, and Antonette, 14 – three kids who, thanks to many of you, spent a week last summer at Tshimakain Creek Camp. I could write to you about the wonders awaiting a child at camp (and, believe me, there are wonders awaiting), but the real reason I’m asking you to send a kid to camp this summer is because of the difference it has made in the lives of kids like Greg, Kayleen and Antonette.

After being evicted from their house last year, Greg’s family divided up. Greg now lives with a friend. He has been to camp three years in a row – first as a camper, next as part of the work crew that helps keep camp running, and last year as a mentor to younger boys. He said last year was the best because he had the opportunity to impact other kids’ lives.

Kayleen normally doesn’t get out much in the summer. Her mom doesn’t think it’s safe, but when she does, she generally hangs out with younger kids because so many of the kids her age are involved in drugs and gangs. Kayleen said the best thing about camp was stepping out of her world and into a new one – one infused with color and adventure and love.

Antonette’s friends call her “Peanut.” She lives with her mom, her grandma, her uncle and three cousins in the West Central neighborhood of Spokane. Her mom suffered severe brain damage from a drug overdose six years ago and now has the mental capacity of an 8-year-old.  Peanut is bright, cheerful, and articulate. She said she loved all the activities at camp – hiking, canoeing, swimming, tubing . . . and making a whole lot of true friends.

Brian and Jenny

Last summer, Brian, 14, came to the Union Gospel Mission’s Tshimakain Creek Camp for only one reason – to fish. A big kid, a loner, cynical and sarcastic, Brian wasn’t interested in anything or anybody else. Over the course of the week, however, a crack appeared in Brian’s tough exterior, and he allowed a spark of relationship to begin with Kipton, his counselor. Camp ended, but Kipton’s pursuit of Brian didn’t. Almost a year later, Brian has a real friend, a mentor to whom he can turn.

Jenny, an 8th grader, came to camp displaying all the signs of today’s teen culture.  Her dress was suggestive, her language profane, and initially, the youth group kids who attempted to befriend her were repulsed. Two girls from secure, loving families weren’t sure how to react when they met a latch-key kid from a broken family on the prowl for someone’s – anyone’s – attention. Working hand in hand with their youth pastor, these girls began to see Jenny in terms of her heart, rather than just her outward image.  They carried the burden for their peers who might be hurting, and they embraced Jenny.