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How I came to be at

UNDER MAJOR CONSTRUCTION HERE! .


So you found this page. Congratulations. I'd like to share my thoughts and feelings on Camp Sunshine here. More than what I've mentioned before, more than what you'll read on the Camp web page. Its hard for me to think that 12 seasons at Camp will have happened to me already. 12. I was only going to do it once. Just one week. I belonged to a Cystic Fibrosis support group back in the 70's and 80's. Back in the spring of '87, someone from Camp came to a support group meeting to inform the us of this unique place and that for the first time, the Camp was being opened to families with kids who have CYSTIC FIBROSIS . . She really gave a generic talk about Camp and I guess it got the best of my curiosity. I signed up for my week of duty, to occur in September 1987. Didn't give much thought on the subject after that. Come September, I packed myself up into my truck and headed out for Camp. No extra clothes or bedding for me as I was not ABOUT to stay at Camp overnight because I lived less than an hour away and I wanted to sleep in my own bed, use my own shower, eat my breakfast in peace then head out to Camp. I arrived at Camp, checked in and went to where the orientation was to take place. Being alone, knowing NO ONE, I just held back and watched people as they strolled in for duty. People hugging one another, kissing each other like long lost brothers and sisters. Far to demonstrative for me. Where in the heck are the kids? The volunteers gathered about. I hung back. Like in church, the new folks seemed to sit in the back of the room. At least for a few minutes till we were told to fill the vacant seats upfront. WHO was to argue? We had a pep talk and an explanation of Camp and how it was run, what was what and who was who. Well, I think thats how it was supposed to be anyway. I don't recall now all the thoughts that were running through my mind but one thing was clear, I didn't belong there. I didn't want to be there and was quite put out with myself that I had gotten into this whole thing. Was it to late to tell that guy up front that I wanted out? Yeah. I guess it was. I'd committed to it. I'd deal with it. After the orientation, folks went back to their lodgings to get settled and as I wasn't staying overnight, I hung around and help with the decorations. It was a longggggg afternoon.

Dinner rolled around and I took my place in line got served and sat down with who knows who now. But, the food was good and there was plenty of it. After dinner was over, the volunteers helped clean up and set the room up again for a general meeting. Orientation was held for everyone. Then the volunteers met with the respective people in their groups. That first year, I was with the nine - twelve year olds. The head counselor explained to them (and to ME I might add) just what the week would entail. Hey, this was beginning to sound a bit better. After that meeting entertainment was provided. I stayed for that and then left for home around 9:00, getting home about 10:00. While getting ready for camp in the morning, I decided that I'd stay there, overnight and all, for the rest of the week. to be continued...........

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Speaking of CF, please come visit Tracey's CF page. Lots of info and links.
CF info and support pages Great link to use

Email: reclass@ime.net