"Camp has taught me so many things I don't even know where to begin. I learned about communication, self-awareness, the environment, rhythm, how to get out of my comfort zone, and to be confident about who i am...Everybody is very understanding and nobody is judged here. We are all equally respected and treat each other with care. This week has been amazing, terrific, joyful and so much fun!" -Participant 2009

"Honestly I don't think I've ever laughed so much at camp or in my entire life in general. Morning till night my intelligence was tested everyday which helped build my awareness of myself. At first I really wasn't looking forward to dancing or opening up to people in a very deep way but once I had the chance to take part in the magical activities I think it was extremely worth it. From the bottom of my heart I'm very grateful for this experience and it definitely changed my life." -Participant 2009

"I had the time of my life and I can't wait to come back next year. I learned and found out who I am here. I learned I'm independent but need a shoulder to cry on...At YES camp you can speak your mind and share things with the campers you would never share at school or sometimes at home. I felt like I was at home at YES camp and that I belonged." -Participant 2009

"I had the time of my life at camp YES!...There are not many places in the world where every single individual feels that they are free to be themselves without being criticized or judged. Every person is open and able to express themselves without having to worry what other people will think of them. This type of environment is truly UNIQUE! I am so glad to have been part of such a wonderful community and environment this week!" -Participant 2009

"You often return to the places you love and that's why I come here. What is it that makes it so special?It is because it doesn't matter who you're with, you will always have a good time. It is because you feel comfortable to always speak your mind. Why do I come to The YES? Because there's no place I'd rather be. I'm surrounded by people who love me and accept me for me." - Participant 2008

"To me, camp is happiness, summer, learning, creativity and fun. Without camp I would not be the better person I am today. Camp made me a different person. It changed me in ways I can't even explain. It has made me more kind, smart and a much better leader. I look forward to further world changing with all the great ideas we came up with. I hope to really help other people and to put my leadership skills to good use. Camp is a magical place, where great things happen. I thank all the counselors a million times for helping create this wonderful place." - Participant 2008

"I have come here again because this place is special. It's not the campsite, lake or food, it's the community. I'd like to thank you for helping me to have some of the greatest experiences of my life. The memories will stay with me forever." - Participant 2008

"All the experiences in this camp changed how I think about life, and it put more happiness in my life." - Participant 2008

"This experience has changed my life and I will never forget it. Camp has taught me so many things that I would never have learned anywhere else." - Participant 2008

“Words cannot describe how happy I am to have come to this camp. It would not have been possible without your sponsorship, and so I close this letter with a boundless amount of gratitude and thanks. You have helped me change and shape my life” – Participant, 2008

“This week at camp has been incredible! I’ve learned even more about building co-operatives in my community, leading groups, and yet again, I have learned about myself” – Participant, 2008

“I don’t have enough words to describe how amazing and powerful this week has been” – Participant, 2008

“The YES Grad camp is more than just a camp, it is a learning experience that shaped me into a better person and helped me appreciate all of the wonderful things in my life” – Participant, 2008

“I want to thank you so, so much for giving me this life-changing opportunity, because without it, I really would not be who I am today” – Participant, 2008

“Without you, I would not have been able to make it to this amazing camp. I am so greatful!” – Paritcipant, 2008

“I will treasure the memories I have made here forever” – Participant, 2008

“I am excited and prepared to incorporate what I have learned from camp into my life” – Participant, 2008

“I can’t thank you enough for helping me go to the YES grad camp this year. It has hugely impacted my life. The experience I gained could not have been achieved in any other way” – Participant, 2008

“I discovered so many truths about myself and learned how to be a more confident person and to be more comfortable with myself around others” – Participant, 2008

"There is a constant vibe of positive energy here, from the moment you step off the bus to the moment you leave. It is everpresent, affecting everyone, encouraging everyone to be all that they can be." - Participant 2005

Alaina Parkes, 2005 Participant:

"My time and experience here has been amazing. Everyday I have been amazed by how much I learned. The trust and atmosphere here is indescribable. The friends I have made are ones I love even though we haven't known each other long, they know me better than many close to me back home. Just from all the things we discussed together with so much support and interest. I have gotten so much out of my system; all the things in the past I struggled with, the memories and the hard times. People listened to me; truly listened and understood.

This week, I let my nervousness and lack of participation fall away. I feel so different and changed. I am so grateful they taught us how to deal with real life situations. We shared our good times, and our not so good times. We saw the difference in other people's lives from ours. We saw how many people had been through the same feelings, situations, obstacles. Now I feel so much more confident and leass fearful of trying new things. I have come so far and am so proud.

They showed us that you can't assume that everyone interprets and gets things in the same way, and how to deal with that. The fact that they didn't just state that to us made all the difference, really experiencing it was what made you see. Having people share their thoughts and stories just really made you think, and I really appreciate that. I found an extreme love of photography, which they helped me live up to by trusting me enough to let me work with and amazing camera. I know now how helpful talking really is. How important it is to be self-aware and take care of yourself. How being a leader can make all the difference. I know I will leave here with the most amazing of memories, knowledge I never dreamed of knowing and friends that I will continue to confide in and see in another way than back home."

Karli Gresley-Jones, 2005 Participant:

"I made a lot of good friends and learned what I could do to be the best person possible and make a difference in our world. The welcoming environment and comforting atmosphere makes camp Y.E.S. a fun and exciting place to be. I can't express in words how much I enjoyed this camp. Thank you."

Hilary Wood-McDonnell, a camper from Hornby Island, declaring her candidacy,

“[The YES] helped me to gain confidence enough to be a leader in my community…”

Jevta (Jeff) Lukic, participant from Vancouver, reflecting on one of the activities at Grad Camp 2005,

“We were all working towards a common goal, and even amongst the euphoria and excitement of the game, we still managed to work together and that definitely showed me that I/we could and should work together like that in real life situations as well.”

Here is Lindsey Doehle, of Penticton, recognizing two things she learned,

“I think the most important things I learned [at The YES] are that it’s ok to be different and that if there’s something I believe in, I should stand up for it.”

Ruth Zohner, of Powell River, now knows that she must be the change she wants to see,

“My goals are a lot clearer now than they were before Rainbow came into my life. I didn’t want to go to Basic but now I am glad my grandparents made sure I went and made sure I got to go back to Advanced and now Grad. THANK YOU FOR CHANGING MY LIFE IN MORE WAYS THAN I COULD EVER HAVE IMAGINED!”

……………….

I had an awesome time and i'm looking forward to going back to the advanced camp on spring break ... even if i have to pay for it myself.. it'd be worth it. i LOVED this camp... i learned more about myself in that one week and now its changed my whole outlook on things. it was the best week of my life and i miss it so much there! i got really close to some councilors and other people i met afterwards.

best wishes

danika brandvold
………………….

If camp was a person i would marry it.

sincerely,

Emma Banks from Basic 2