Chris' Story

The first time Chris of Denver tackled rock climbing at The Learning Camp, he admitted his legs were shaking like they were engulfed in a miniature earthquake. Although nervous, he completed the climb successfully. He had conquered a fear, while gaining a new skill. That experience, along with so many other activities in which he participated at The Learning Camp, tucked into the heart of the Rockies in Colorado’s Vail Valley, helped Chris discover a new sense of self-confidence.

"After that first summer, when he returned home, the summer camp’s impact was evident both at home and at school, said his mother Marcey. His teachers noticed a distinct difference in Chris’ personality and demeanor. This once shy child had broken out of a shell that imprisons so many children dealing with learning differences. His confidence allowed him to become more open, more willing to volunteer information and to speak publicly. As a returning 6th-year camper in 2004, Chris is excited to embark upon even more life-changing experiences. He is now mainstreamed in public middle school and involved in many extra curricular activities.

Blending the power of nature with sound academic training, The Learning Camp provides a supportive overnight camp experience where children with learning difficulties can acquire life-long learning techniques, build self-esteem and independence, and improve basic reading and math skills. Children who most often feel estranged in an academic setting finally discover others with their same challenges and feel welcome in an understanding environment.

The Learning Camp works with children facing many obstacles including Perceptual Communicative Disorder, Information Processing Disorders, Attention Deficit Disorder, Memorization Problems, and Dyslexia.

Just like Chris, children no longer feel alone or misunderstood and look forward to returning summer after summer to renew friendships and feel better and better about themselves.

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