Summer Camp


Ahhh summer camp, how I love it. This week I’ve been volunteering at a camp for foster kids separated from their siblings called Camp to Belong. The camp is at the Y camp at the Silver Falls State Park. I happened to go to a horse camp here when I was younger, so total flashbacks!

Of course I can’t show you pictures of the wonderful kids, just imagine happy smiling children and break your heart stories of them being separated in their living situations. For this week they get to be together and make lots of wonderful memories.

Gotta dig this style 🙂
This is for sure the most difficult thing I’ve ever had to photograph. There are 70+ kids, 25 sets of siblings, a huge camp all spread out, big fields of bright sunlight…. But the real challenge are kids who have much more on their minds than most kids. So many of them have these masks. I actually had one boy tell me he never smiles anymore. It’s been two days and already they are loosening up.  This is such a different view of foster kids than I get working on my CASA case. I have to say I think I am making a difference with CASA, but working on the paperwork side of thing, going to court, it’s not the same as actually spending a day with these kids. I have an awesome co-photographer working who is staying full time. I’m coming home at night, but man it’s still a lot of work! And fun, and ya, maybe I’ll have more words next week.
Oh and I’ll try hard not to steal one of these pool baskets.

 

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6 Comments

  1. I admire you for taking on something so tough (and rewarding). Life is not always sunshine and butterflies unfortunately, and it can be easy to look the other way or put it off as someone else’s problem. Those kids need positive role models and a break from all that stress and I’m sure you are giving them just that. Good job for making a difference in their lives!

  2. I totally agree with everything erin said, good job for making a difference. I think it’s so great what you’re doing! (and grab me a swimming basket too. those are awesome!)

  3. If you should decide to steal a basket, could you perhaps steal me one, too? 😉
    Love that you have the opportunity to volunteer. That is one of the things I miss most since having children.

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