By Callie Stezar | Director
Our last day at Take2 was an emotional roller coaster--a swirling culmination of all of the thought, energy, hurdles and fun from the past month. One minute, we were freeze-dancing and grilling hot dogs, and the next minute, we were bidding farewell to the people who enriched our lives, quickly swapping "good-bye" with "see you soon" instead.
Halfway through our last day, a camper approached me in the quiet hallway to make a comment about his experience: "This is the only camp where I have made friends." It was unsolicited and unrehearsed. At Take2, we teach our campers about the unexpected, usually in reference to behavior that is asynchronous with the social surroundings. But in this moment, "wonderfully unexpected" was the most fitting way for me to describe this camper's remark. As the muffled sound of pop music, laughter and organized chaos drifted through the classroom doors, I reassured him: "The friendships don't have to end today."
So many small moments with staff and fellow campers precipitated this big one: Early morning staff meetings to stage a conversation group; learning about "cool thought" scripts to think positively; creating socially-based goals and plans; coaching campers to self-advocate during game play; allowing a camper to write a "No Thank You" note to vent frustration; cheering on teammates at a daunting ropes course. All the small moments come together before our eyes, sometimes without even realizing it, until one day a camper bravely steps out to say, "Thank you" in his own unique, beautiful way.
These small moments are made from the fibers of your support. As we bid farewell to another wonderful Take2 summer, I ask that you take credit for making this possible. Thank you to all the incredible people, young and old, who have given to Take2 in charity, volunteerism and bravery.
Fondly,
Callie
By Callie Stezar | Director
By Callie Stezar | Director
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