2016 Staff Newsletter

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Why <strong>Staff</strong> and Volunteers are so important! # of campers who needed support shooting archery. 446 # of fish counselors needed to kiss for campers. 237 # of campers who needed support pushing their wheelchair. 176 # of campers who needed help performing on stage. 519 61 Counselors had the same or similar illness as our campers. # of times a counselor ate dessert with their face to help a camper laugh. 134 # of times we provided back riding for campers who needed additional support. 48 # of campers who needed support in our Waterpark. 222 236 Times a staff influenced a camper to participate in a program area. 119 Rode a horse 103 Caught a fish 201 Rode a Hot Air Balloon 279 Got a Bullseye 36 Rode a tricycle 35 Went swimming 103 Climbed 55’ Adventure Tower 151 Performed at Stage Day 43 Played “Driver” in a NASCAR Page 4
Hi, I’m Jesse Camper Spotlight At Victory Junction, empowering moments happen around every corner that make a difference in our lives. One camper in particular helped to create these impactful moments. Sixteen year old Jesse started coming to Victory Junction in 2008, and attended summer camp for the last time this summer. If you don’t know Jesse, you are missing out on one of the kindest young ladies that has ever entered our gates. She truly cares more about others than herself. Growing up with an illness can be difficult, however Jesse has taken ownership of her Cerebral Palsy diagnosis and will not let it stop her. Watching Jesse on arrival day, you could tell she was soaking up every moment. At camp, Jesse has learned that you can be yourself without the fear of judgement, and that everyone should be treated like a true friend. During Jesse’s week at camp this summer one of her cabin mates, who was non-verbal, was missing home. Jesse watched attentively as staff continuously tried to help Katie, her new friend, fall asleep. When staff left, Katie once again began to quietly cry. Before staff could even get back into the room, Jesse began singing to Katie. Not only did Jesse continue to sing, she also provided words of encouragement like a mother would do for her baby. Jesse continued to stay up night after night to ensure her friend Katie made it through her first week at Victory Junction. Moments like these melt your heart. The positivity that Jesse carries was truly utilized when she climbed the 55’ adventure tower. Since this was Jesse’s last year, she was determined to climb the tower all by herself. For any child this endeavor can be difficult, yet with Jesse’s physical limitations, it can be even more so. Our adventure staff continued to encourage her as she made it up the tower. However, unlike the previous year, Jesse was unable to complete the climb to the top. Through the experience, Jesse learned that remaining positive through every adventure, and focusing on the process and not the end result is what camp is all about. Jesse is just one camper story, but there are hundreds more who had the same or similar experience that changed their life. We hope you will hold tight to your camper stories and remember them for years to come. Page 5
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Page 9 and 10: Mark Your 2016-2017 Calendars Novem

2016 Staff Newsletter

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