Last Friday I sat staring at my computer waiting needing to write the Friday Camp news to tell about how amazing Camp Westwind is and of all the new and exciting camps especially for teens that we have for this coming summer and how registrations are filling quickly but I just sat like many of you seeing before me the horror unfold of the latest shootings.

I wanted to remind people that if they are struggling financially that we have financial assistance and this year we are excited to have an even greater amount to award thanks to grants and that they can apply now and not wait but how do I offer to alleviate financial burdens when there are parents with heavier burdens happening before my eyes.

Without the ability to even put thoughts together to write about camp I pushed it aside hoping it would get easier.  I don’t think it will get easier but what I do know is that camp is a safe place where staff and campers alike feel valued, gain confidence, build friendships and see the worth that they have in a greater community. See the outcomes table at the end of this email and you can read what people are saying Camp Westwind does for their camper and their families.

Why not take this time to reevaluate how we are invested in our children’s lives? Are we experiencing life first hand by going to camp and enjoying a session of Mother Child or Father Child with our children and building lasting memories, putting in precious time with them and gaining a stronger relationship or are we experiencing life second hand by reading about their lives on their Twitter feed or Facebook status or by texting with them? Why not step away from the technology and onto the sand where you can sing songs, laugh, kayak and enjoy life together-first hand?! Why not send your youth or teen to one of our amazing  six sessions of camp?

I was sitting with a camp applicant doing her interview on Sunday night and she was talking about the value of camp for a camper. She stated that after the shootings last week it left her longing for a week at camp where she knew she could be surrounded by loving and caring friends and young adults that would talk and process with her, where they could all laugh and play and be carefree. Camp Westwind is a place anyone can come and where the only expectation is to be whoever you are and to know that is more than enough.

So this holiday season consider giving the gift of camp to your camper, your family, your grandchild or your neighbor. Registration is now open for all camps!

Peace on earth.

Janette “Pickle” Kunkel and Sarah “Sassy” Keplinger

PS: Don’t forget, if you register before January 1 you get last year’s prices!! 

PSS: Please make sure you add westwind@ywcapdx.org to your safe email list as many of you keep missing out on the happenings at camp due to your filters.