Parent Testimonials
My son last year at almost 15 was needing to get into a program to help him realize that his life did have meaning. “YES” had me in tears, from the day I found out they would be able to help us financially, to the day I convinced my son to go, to the day I dropped him off, to the day he told me “Mom, I didn’t know I could be so happy! I was happy from the minute I woke up , until the minute I woke up again the next day.” This coming from a young teen who had forgotten how to smile. He used to say “camp was for goofs and geeks “. The day I picked him up he said “Mom, can you please make sure I can come back again.” I can’t put into words the difference The YES made in his life. A heartfelt thank you to all who are involved with THE YES on every level. Sincerly, A west coast BC Mom
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I can’t believe the person who came home from camp after only 6 days! After much persuasion by me, he reluctantly agreed to go but did so with an “I’m too cool for this” attitude. He returned home as a new person with such an amazing outlook on life and towards everyone he encounters. He says it changed his life and that it was the best thing he’s ever done! I was so happy but I didn’t really expect this great attitude to last long but to my amazement it did! He has been a role model even to me! Brandon loved the camp. He is really looking forward to attending a second time this summer!
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The YES was the best thing that has happened to my daughter and I have no doubt that the skills she has learned there will continue to help foster her into a pretty terrific human being for a long time to come…So, from the bottom of my heart…thank you to THE YES! – Heather
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For those who are considering sending a child to the Yes Camp, I have to add my support for this program. One of my sons, Aidan, went to the Basic and Advanced camps last year and absolutely loved his experiences there. After the first camp, he came back enthusing how the camp had changed his life…! Quite the statement after a week at camp. – Jan
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The Yes,
Just wanted to say thanks – Torrey had what he described as the “time of his life” at Camp Rainbow – basic camp-July 20th to 26th. It was a real confidence builder and he is looking forward to Reunion Camp. We are really glad to have discovered your camp and thanks to you and your staff for the great work you do.
Cheers,
Moreen Tremblay ( Torrey’s Mom)
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The Yes,
As always the Rossland kids return changed, possessing a more positive outlook, more self assured and confident and determined to contribute to the community. Thanks for all you do with them.
Gordon
Nelson & District Credit Union
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Dear The YES,
I am so incredibly grateful for what you’ve done for us as well as all that you do for these fortunate rainbownians. You make such a difference. Alyssa’s always been a terrific kid, but going to Rainbow has given her a focus and stronger sense of self assurance that is worth millions more than the actual cost of attending. When she came home from Basic, she wept missing you and her fellow campers and counsellors (and I sense extreme fatigue as well, but like her, I would have stayed up all night if only it meant spending more time with such incredible people). I was impressed with the level of communication and bonding that took place. She felt that she had really connected with several like-minded individuals and was so appreciative that she could be herself there– or just simply BE. When she came home from Advanced, she was saddened to part ways yet again, but re-connected with people from Basic as well as made many new friends. She then said something that I think is exceptional. She said that one of her counsellors had said to her that really Rainbow begins after you leave camp. Alyssa took this to heart and has been an incredible inspiration since. She’s of course a teenager and outspoken, sometimes argumentative by nature– but she’s also got this clear vision that I know came about partly because she really is spectacular, but partly from the things she learned and experienced at Rainbow. They don’t teach that in school.
I remember too well the trials of being a teenager. I know for myself there was further complexity because I was a runaway. As a teen, I would have so benefited from the Camp Rainbow program.
You and all of the others at RYES should be commended, Peter [former Camp Director]. I can only imagine how very proud you must be to do such great work. The Rainbow program will hopefully continue to spread and affect kids and their families in positive ways throughout the country. I know that as the new education co-ordinator at CHF BC, I will do my absolute best to promote Camp Rainbow to co-operatives and their members. I’ve seen firsthand the value of the program. I really believe that education begins at home and spreads throughout the world. For many of these kids, Rainbow IS home. It goes further than that– these kids eventually realize that they are home regardless of their situation– that they only essentially need the strength that is already within themselves. That is truly extraordinary.
Kind regards, Maria
PS. Please do not hesitate to have parents call me either at home or at CHF BC to query me about Camp Rainbow. I would be more than happy to share how completely positive and beneficial the program is for kids (and parents by association).
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The YES,
I am the mother of Brandy and as you may know the only reason she won’t be going this year is she has gotten too old for the camp! She loved going to camp and always came back just bouncing but maybe a little sad that camp was over for the year! She learned so much, that I actually have learned some things from her!
We have been amazed at what a positive experience going to Camp Rainbow has been! Our daughter is a fairly positive person and going to camp has reinforced this attribute in her. It has given her the tools to deal with negative and unpleasant situations she has found herself in, though, there honestly hasn’t been many. She seems to float in a bubble of positiveness and is almost always a delight to be around!
I do believe she would love to be a camp counsellor one day! She love the whole world of Camp Rainbow!
I can’t thank you enough for starting this camp I just wish more kids could go to your camp! I believe there would be fewer frustrated angry kids who would know how do deal with situations they find themselves in. Maybe if the word gets out to more people you would be able to offer it more time is a summer, I don’t know if this is possible, but keep up the good work!
Yours Sincerely, Nita Mars
