Spring brings with it rejuvenation, growth and the expectation of starting new. This year we believe will be a year of growth, bringing with it many new ideas and programs.  While the economic crisis is still very much affecting Camp Laurel, our dedicated team (staff, volunteers, board and donors) are ready to work hard to serve more children, youth and families living with HIV/AIDS than ever before.  

This year we will be focusing on creating more partnerships with local HIV/AIDS service providers, who, like us, have had budget cuts, resulting in the elimination or combination of programs.  By working together we will be able to create new programs at half the cost and serve more kids. That is GROWTH!

Speaking of growth, yesterday, a past camper and Apollo Award recipient, Grissel, visited the Camp Laurel office.  Grissel attended our first camp in 1994.  She was 7 years old. Now she is 23.  As with all the campers, she had a wisdom that was far beyond her years.  This is a poem she wrote that first year.

" Don't give up hope because you don't know how long you're going to live. You might live for a thousand years. Always live your life happy. Don't stay in bed just because you are sick. It doesn't mean you have to moan and groan the whole day. Every day is new, so you should never give up hope."

With half of all HIV infections in the USA occurring in youth under the age of 25, Camp Laurel's programs are as needed as ever.  On August 7, 2010 you have the chance to make sure Camp Laurel's programs continue for years by attending our first ever "Midsummer Night's Dream" AIDS Dance Marathon.  This five-hour dance party will challenge you to stay on your feet, dance the night away and celebrate the lives of children, youth and families succeeding despite the challenges of living with HIV/AIDS. 

 
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"Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart."
                                                             - Elizabeth Heart

In an age seemingly where more is never enough, where we are a society focused on self, and where the idea of community is falling into the shadows, it's comforting to know there are individuals out there who look beyond themselves. In fact, statistics show that volunteerism is on the rise. An estimated 63.4 million people, or roughly 26.8% of the population engaged in volunteer service during 2009, almost 2 million more then in 2008. With an increasing number of volunteer participation comes the need for Camp Laurel to develop new and creative volunteer opportunities.

Rock Star Moment: In July 2008, Jessi followed in his big sister's footsteps by applying and being accepted into the CIT (Counselor-in-training) program. As a CIT, Jessi demonstrated his leadership abilities by assisting the Overnight Facilitator with overseeing the cabin groups as they went on their overnights. He has since returned as a CIT at Winter Family Camp 2010.

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What is a valuable thing you have learned volunteering with Camp Laurel? That you don't always have to be the leader, the loudest one, the most popular, the most athletic, or any of those things to make an impact on these kids lives. All you have to do is just be yourself. I remember first meeting Juan Carlos. He never ever talked.  One day I was having a challenging day and he asked me why I wasn't talking. I was surprised this kid could even talk. I told him he never talks, so why should I? He said, "because that's not like you". I almost cried. (Smile) We have been close ever since.

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Camp Laurel
75 S. Grand Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91105
P: 626-683-0800
F: 626-683-0890
info@camplaurel.org
www.camplaurel.org