How I Spent My Summer Vacation

Ask most people how they plan to spend their summer vacations,

and you're likely to hear about trips to the beach, fun at amusement parks,

adventures camping, or even creative "staycations".

Ask LaurieAnna crew members Denis and Debbie how they plan to spend theirs, and you will hear about nights sleeping with no air conditioning, 100+ degree days, bugs and various critters all around---and all of it spent with 100+ kids for a week---24/7.

 

Sound a little crazy?  Well, not if you know the rest of the story...

 

Denis and Debbie volunteer at Camp El Tesoro de la Vida,

a grief recovery camp for kids who have lost a loved one to death

 (generally a parent, sibling, or primary caregiver). 

 

This amazing camp gives young campers a chance to be with other kids who have experienced the same kind of loss.  They get to be kids first, and grievers second. 

They spend their days horseback riding, at arts and crafts, hiking, at archery, etc., and also spend time in group therapy sessions with others their own ages. 

 

They make new friends, learn new skills, and learn to cope. 

They are given lots of love, lots of laughter, and lots of hugs. 

 

I can't being to express the difference this camp makes in the lives of those who attend, but you can watch the video below to see and hear more from both campers and counselors!

 

Denis and Debbie will not be at our August show since they will be at camp. 

Please join Willie, me and the rest of the LA crew in sending them our thoughts and prayers for a wonderful week at Camp!