The “KEYS” to Journey Summer Camp

Partnering with Rays of Hope, our Journey Summer Camp Committee planned and implemented a one-week summer camp for children who have experienced death, divorce, separation or other painful transitions.

From the “Ocean of Emotion” to “Challenge Mountain”, it was an incredible time – for participating kids and for our volunteers. In keeping with this year’s Junior League of Midland theme, “Education is the Key to the Future,” we asked our Journey Summer Camp volunteers to tell us about the “KEYS” to this placement.

K - What KIND of placement was this?

The purpose of this partnership with Rays of Hope is to facilitate a weeklong camp for kids that are dealing with death, divorce, and loss. Many of these kids have no one to talk to so this is the biggest thing in life for many of them. More than 43 amazing kids registered! - Natalie Cargile, Committee Chair

E - What was the most EXCITING part of this placement, for you?

The most exciting part of this placement for me was getting to work with such amazing kids. Each child was unique and had their own personal story. It was neat to see them share their journey in different ways everyday through the activities we planned.

-  Brittany Usrey, Committee Member

The most exciting part about this placement for me was art class! Hilary Granaghan and I created exciting projects for the week and got to work closely with every kid in the camp. - Natalie Cargile, Committee Chair

The most exciting part was the precious kids! They were so sweet and full of energy. I loved to see their faces light up and I loved when an activity really hit home for them.

- Breanne Reeves, Committee Member

Y - How did YOU grow through this placement?

Watching these kids move through the week and open up to us about their grief journey was extremely powerful, and made us all feel that we were achieving something extremely worthwhile.  It also helped me grow, thinking what some of these young children have encountered in their life and how they still choose to have a positive outlook, no matter what. -  Mollye Hillman, Committee Member

This camp served as a reminder that I must continue to always be a woman of service. The Lord has greatly blessed me and to whom much is given, much is required. - Natalie Cargile, Committee Chair

Journey Summer Camp was a way for me to be directly involved with the community, I loved seeing the kids every day. I was marveled at their strength and wisdom. Such a rewarding placement for all involved! – Elizabeth Hartman, President Elect

S - How did this SERVICE impact the community?

It is very evident that this service has a HUGE impact on these kids and their families. Some of these children don't have someone to talk to about their grief and the week showed me how valuable this placement is on the community, and on the lives and well being of the children and their families. -  Mollye Hillman, Committee Member

This camp impacted the community greatly. Kids from every background and every struggle were able to come to a safe place together. Not to mention, Journey Camp is free and lasts one week! The kids were encouraged, they were able to release their pain and sadness or anger and go home with ways to combat these feelings in the future.

- Natalie Cargile, Committee Chair