Reasons to Come
“This Camp enable me to learn to truly love myself, create beautifu new friendships, and find an all around appreciation for life.”- Lily Fraser Eldridge, 2012
“By sending me to camp, I truly believe that you have not only just given me a place to go where I feel loved and have lots of fun, but a place that has changed my life.” -Bronte Stark, 2012
“I shall always remember that it is not the camp itself, but each individual who gives so freely that makes this short week so beautiful.”- Jasper M., 2012
“Dancing was fun as always, with the music ranging from Elton John to Skrillex.” -Jacob L.
“I learned many things about myself during this week, like the fact that I can do anything I want to in my life if I put my mind to it. And I learned that the world really is a beautiful place and so are the people in it. ” -India Sherret, 2012
“The YES Camp video guided me towards the shining star that is me and not a copy of someone else.”- Courtney Woo, 2012
“Before going to The YES Camp, I couldn’t open up to anyone. Now I feel great when I talk about my feelings.” -Liam, 2012
“You could be silly and yourself and everyone would love you for it. You could dance and everyone would join in.” -Amy Desouza, 2012
“I feel a thousand times more confident than before I came here.”- Miranda Oliwa
“I am coming back with a joyful smile and a thoughtful heart.”- Kenzo, 2012
“This camp teaches you lessons about life in a creative and fun way, a style that is not used often enough. I really enjoyed the talent show, because it was the one time where the weirder you were, the more you were cheered on.”-Participant 2011
“At camp I got to sing in front of my first crowd, I danced with my soul, I spoke from the heart and I laughed and hugged more than I have in my life.”-Participant 2011
“The staff team is amazing, amazingly amazing. They love each other and fool around, but always get what’s needed doing done. They trust each other. Having these people around who are so completely and freely themselves creates space for others to do the same, and that is the magic of this camp. It creates an environment where insecurities are drawn away and people are loved for who they really are. Silliness is embraced, this camp teaches us to embrace ourselves and that lesson is invaluable. “-Participant 2011
“Before I came to Yes Camp I was really shy. In all honesty, I was afraid of people… Not just the people but what they would think of me. At YES Camp I learned to ignore all my negative thoughts and just have fun… I opened my heart to the people at this camp, and because of that I have become the person I always wanted to be, which is myself.”-Participant 2011
“At Camp we built a community, and we became a family through sports, swimming, canoeing, crafts, singing and dancing. This place is the most amazing place on earth, partially because of the campers and staff, and partially because of the way you feel when you’re here.”-Participant 2010
“This past week was the best part of my summer and i wish I could live at camp. I feel like I’ve grown and become a better person with the support and love of the staff and other campers and i wish I could live with them because everyone is so genuine and nice.”-Participant 2010
“Every time I come to the camp, I am surrounded by an incredible atmosphere and inspiring group of people, that always push you to be all that you can be and encourage you to push their boundaries.”-Participant 2010
“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
“All the experiences in this camp changed how I think about life, and it put more happiness in my life.” – 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
“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 am excited and prepared to incorporate what I have learned from camp into my life” – 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
“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.” -Alaina Parkes, 2005
“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.” -Karli Gresley-Jones, 2005
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. -Danika Brandvold
If camp was a person i would marry it.
sincerely,
Emma Banks from Basic 2
