Saying Good-bye

For many children who come to Victory Junction, this is their first time away from their parents and families.
Sometimes they can be anxious about coming to camp.

“There are always kids who come to camp nervous because their illness hasn’t allowed them have this type of experience before,” said Starr, a camp counselor who used to be a camper. “And parents are afraid to leave their child because they have been the only ones caring for them.”

The nervous jitters don’t last long. By the end of the first day, campers open up and begin to have fun.

“Campers love our dance parties. And when we do chants and cheers, they scream at the top of their lungs,” says Coralie, a counselor. “They really blossom into themselves.”

At the end of the camp week, campers and counselors gather in our theater to view a video recapping the week’s activities, programs and friendships. To ensure every child is able to relive precious camp memories, even when they are back home, they receive

their very own DVD as a camp souvenir. After the presentation, campers and counselors exchange tearful good-byes and long hugs.

“Leaving day is really hard, but you know you have done an amazing job when kids are upset to leave because they had such an amazing week,” says Caroline, a camp counselor.

For counselors, it’s fulfilling to see that campers have enjoyed their experience. It is also a treat to watch parents’ reactions when they pick their children up from camp.