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July 4-10, 2010
Summer & Teen Adenture Camp 2009 Report:
In an effort to conserve resources in a tough funding year, Camp Laurel combined Summer Camp and Teen Adventure Camp into on one program. With a “survivor” theme to welcome them, 98 campers between the ages of 6-17 arrived at YMCA Camp Arbolado to enjoy a week’s worth of fun!
Younger campers, ages 6-12, participated in traditional Summer Camp activities, including tie dye, archery, high and low ropes, and canoeing. While it was all about the fun, they were also challenged to develop the skills, like teamwork, communication and perseverance, needed to become leaders through special challenges throughout the week. Our Counselor-in-Training program grew even stronger this summer, as a record number of campers aged 15-17 qualified to participate. The 11 CITs demonstrated their dedication to the program by writing heartfelt essay questions and impressing the interview panel. The CIT program is designed to develop the skills needed to become counselors at Camp Laurel. Under the careful direction of the CIT counselors, Lorezno Diaz and Jessica Eddings, participants attended daily workshops, set goals and practiced new skills with their cabin groups of younger campers. This summer, we had four former CITs make the transition to become counselors at Camp Laurel! We say congratulations to these former campers who worked hard as CITs and more than proved themselves at camp this summer. While Teen Adventure Camp is traditionally a city-based program, we were able to take advantage of our unique setting at YMCA Camp Arbolado and present the teens with new challenges. In an effort to develop new leadership potential in all of our teens, the program focused on teambuilding initiatives that challenged campers to become self-motivated leaders with their peers. The design of the program helped some of our quieter, less self-assured teens to step outside of their comfort zone to share new ideas and thoughts. Discussion Group sessions were led by our on-site social workers who helped campers delve into issues of importance in their lives, including the struggle living with HIV and the loss of a parent or other loved one. In this group setting, they were able to see that they are not alone in their struggles, which for many was the first time they shared or discussed these issues with anyone. While it was sad to see the week end, everyone left with fond memories, new successes to reflect on and a renewed sense of hope and friendship.    Getting ready for the overnight camping trip! We're off to a great adventure!!
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Thank you to this year's Summer Camp sponsors:
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