How does one put into words the true experience of joy we experienced on Monday at Camp Sanguinity? You really can’t unless you are an eloquent writer, and I’m not. What I can tell you is how the day was for me and my daughter, Miss Priss.

We left our house around 9:30 in the morning, excited about what was ahead of us! We traveled down a looooong dirt and gravel road to get to Camp John Marc. We were wondering if we’d ever arrive when around a curve stood their welcoming gates! After signing in at the office, we waited for Shelly and her crew to arrive, which they did shortly after. It was a pleasure finally meeting Shelly in person. We had talked on the phone and email, but this was our first meeting!

We were invited to have lunch with the campers and I don’t think a sandwich has ever tasted so good! Watching the kids in the cafeteria was a pleasure, the laughter was flowing and our little table was beaming!

After lunch we separated into two groups to pass out the afghans and bags. Miss Priss, Shelly’s sister, Bernice Renice and I went to one end of the cabins while Shelly, her husband Eric, and Rebecca headed to the other end. Now, here’s where I just can’t put into words what it felt like to see those kids faces light up when they saw the afghans and bags. It was a sight that will forever be branded in my memory and heart. As we passed out the afghans and bags, I told them about the hundreds of people who worked so hard to put them together, and how each square was made by someone different from all corners of the world. They were amazed. In one cabin Miss Priss had passed out all the bags and a little boy came running over to her and hugged her while saying thank you over and over again! I was so happy to have my daughter with me to share in this experience.

When we got to the older boys, I wasn’t sure how they would take to the afghans to be honest. Teenage boys can be harsh. But not these guys!!! Hearing this melted my heart as one teen boy was sitting on his bed, rubbing the afghan I hear him say, “It’s so freakin’ soft! Cool!!”   It was the small whispers, the hugs, the looks of wonder on the kids faces that made working on this project so awesome.

We met up with the other team, and shared with them the last cabin of girls…these girls loved the squares and reading where each one came from! They loved the bags that so many of you put so much work into! Two of the counselors from this cabin are from my town, (hi girls!) and they want to learn how to crochet now!! Watching these girls admire the afghans and  bags was so much fun, but it was their rest time and we needed to let them rest…but to honest, I don’t think they did!

We had time to kinda come down off the buzz we were on by our hosts giving us a tour of the camp. There is an outdoor chapel that was so peaceful. The feeling there was pure serenity. 

Morning Star Chapel, when the sun rises, it shines through that opening!

We left the chapel and headed to “The Silo”  which is a rainy day building….they really want a rainy day and I saw why! This building was amazing.

The “Silo” an amazing activities building!

You walked under the silo and looked up and they had wall/rock climbing in there!

Care to try?

When you walked into the front doors it was easy to see why this was a favorite area at camp! In the lodge area all along the wall told the story of Camp John Marc, which was named for a young boy who loved the outdoors. There was a costume room, a teaching kitchen that was wonderful, a dark room with all the equipment, library, and even some creepy crawlies…..some in cages, some not!

The amazing murals throughout the building were done by a former patients sister who came to camp. It’s the pay it forward of the camp!

The story of Camp John Marc

Creepy crawlie walking across the floor!!

This camp is gorgeous and has so much to offer it’s campers! Miss Priss is thinking about volunteering next year after this experience.

I didn’t cry till I heard one of the camp volunteers tell us what an impact this would make on these kids. That every time they look at and use these afghans they will remember their week at camp, and all the people who made it for them. It was then the impact hit….we did it. Thanks to all of you who helped, crocheted, sewed, donated time and money. It wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for you all!

Here’s the link to my Flickr, if you want to see the photos of our day at camp you must view them through Flickr.  If you have a Flickr account, you have to be my “friend” to see them. Setting up an account is free, and only takes a couple of minutes. Sign up for an  account, then go to my Flickr page and make a friend request. We have to protect the kids first and foremost.

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