Parent's comments mean so much to us. We continuously hear from parents about the profound impact our program has had on their children. Please take a few moments to read what our camper's parents have to say.


Testimonials Page 1 | Testimonials Page 2

Hi Ann,
I can't believe it's been 2 1/2 months already since Brian got home.  Time is flying by!  I did want to get back to you and tell you what a wonderful experience your camp was for both Brian and us.  You and your staff are incredibly professional and caring and intuitive.  Your regular emails while he was at camp were very comforting and reassuring.

When Brian got off the plane, we couldn't have been happier to see each other.  I immediately noticed a difference in him.  He seemed like he'd grown up a lot in just 2 weeks.  He was exceedingly talkative and joyful and confident.  Before we'd taken 20 steps, he announced "I want to go back again next year... but for three weeks!"  After we got home, his confidence remained high and he was taking care of himself (showing self-reliance) as he had never shown before.  It was EXACTLY what we had hoped he'd get out of his time there.  We were very nervous about sending him halfway across the country to a camp where he didn't know anyone and neither did we.  The Learning Camp seemed to offer just what we needed, but we were unsure how he would feel so far away from home, and whether he'd feel comfortable with the other kids or make any friends.  Although we researched the camp and had many conversations with you, it was still a leap of faith.  And while I was comfortable by the time we got there and he was very excited about it, you will recall he had "second thoughts" when it was time for me to leave him there, and he begged me not to go.  That was hard!  But you helped him (and me) through that too.  We put our faith in God - and you - to keep him safe and help him thrive.  And we got what we prayed for! 

Thank you and Tom and all the staff again.  You are a real blessing on our family.  We look forward to seeing you again next year.

Warmest regards,

Karen, Brian’s Mom
Chatsworth, CA

PS- Brian got your recent letter and loved hearing from you!!

Dear Ms. Cathcart,

I hope this note finds you well and continuing your great work. 
Several years ago, you hosted my daughter, Zoila Lara-Cea, at the
Learning Camp.  She still talks about this formative experience of a
lifetime.  I wanted to say thank you and to share this milestone: 
Zoila is graduating from The Sterne School with a 4.2 GPA and is
student body president.  Granted, the school is small, but she takes on
a lot of responsibilities. If things go as she wants, she will be attending Xavier University in New Orleans and majoring in Biology and Art.

Thank you for everything!!

With Great Appreciation,

Helen, Zoila’s Mom
San Francisco, CA

Hi Ann,
Casey has been raving about how much fun he had at camp.  I also want you to know that he says you are the best cook ever!!!  He called two of his buddies when he got home and told them this was the best camp he has ever been to.  Wow, what a great attitude and revived spirit!!  Ann, thank you again for all of your effort & care.  I am sure we will see you again!!!!

Jim, Casey’s Dad
Denver, CO

Hi Ann,
I wanted to write you to thank you for the wonderful experience Nick had at camp. He really had a great time. He actually said to me "I lost my dignity but I found it again at camp." I asked him what dignity meant [to him] and he said "my confidence in my self." Wow. Can't get better than that. He also had fun. The only downside is the cd of photos never made it home! I hoped you might be able to send me another copy? I'd love to print some of those pictures.

Nick's transition into school has been great. Camp really helped. He also loved the letter he just got from you guys.

Thanks again. Your camp is a really special place.

Robin, Nick’s Mom
New York, NY

Ann & Tom,

Thank you for the amazing camp that you have created!  You and your staff truly make a difference in each child's life that you touch.  You have certainly made a difference in our Kelly.  We are sad that she will not be able to come back as she is now too old.  She loved camp and the experiences that she had each day. 

The impact that has been made in Kelly is something that will be with Kelly forever.  I thank each of you from the bottom of my heart in making such a difference in my daughter's life.

Always,

Deb, Kelly’s Mom
Boise, Idaho
(Kelly graduated from The Learning Camp in 2007 after 4 summers as a camper.)

Dear Ann,

Just a short note to say that Isabel arrived safe and sound, and THRILLED about her camp experience!  She has already e-mailed and talked with a few of her friends.  She is ready to go back next year! I also heard that your cooking is just great. Once again, thank you.

Best regards,

Deidre, Isabel’s Mom
New Orleans, LA

Dear Ann and Tom,
Just a short email to thank you both for giving our son Michael a wonderful summer camp experience. Michael was very anxious to get back to school and tell all his friends about time spent in camp! My husband and I had a great time listening to all the stories about his camp adventures...I was particularly pleased when Michael got up the next morning in Vail and tied his own shoes... Thanks Ann!

Even more surprising was all the new things that Michael was eating...Sloppy Joes, Apple Jacks... (He raved about your cooking Ann).  I have to tell you that this was Michael's first week back to school and he has already advocated for himself...He wanted to change an elective class so that he could eat lunch with his friends and not the 8th graders...so, I told him I would email his teacher and he said..."That's okay Mom", I will talk to her"...WOW! I still emailed on the side...But, true to his word Michael went in the next day and Viola! his class has been changed and the teacher emailed me back and said she was very pleased that Michael advocated for himself.

I have to say, I was a little worried about him being gone for three weeks...but, It was one of the best decisions that I ever advocated on Michael's behalf. And now, he's made the decision to come back to camp next year!! I told him I would email you and ask if you would put Michael's name on the list for three weeks in 2008.

Sometimes you just can't find the right words to describe the impact that others have on a single life...It brings to mind one of my all time favorite movies. "It's A Wonderful Life" things that you do or don't do can make monumental changes in the world...or, just in one small town. You and Tom and all the dedicated consolers are like the Angel "Clarence" to me...you have shown Michael and I am sure many many other children what can be possible and how to make a difference in both their lives and the world around them. I am sure that the bells are ringing somewhere for you and your staff.

Sincerely,

April, Michael’s Mom
Tucson, AZ

Hi Ann,
Thank You so much !!!
Stephen, once again appears to have had a marvelous time at the camp. He always comes home with such excitement and positive thinking. We really appreciate the opportunity you provide these kids with especially our son. What a great way to start the school year.
Thanks for everything,

Tom, Stephens’ Dad
Gypsum, CO

Dear Ann & Tom,

I looked at the website and noticed camps for this year are all done.  I bet you are taking a well deserved rest. 

I can't believe the young man you returned to me!  While not every single moment is perfect, I am thrilled by how much more willing he is to do when he is asked or to offer to help when he sees me doing things.  Anthony's no longer sees everything as "the glass half empty", which was seemed to dominate his life prior to camp.  I know that Anthony's counselor must have had a positive influence and that Mark really knew how to help Anthony help himself. 

I just wanted to say Thanks to you one more time.  Thanks for everything.  We send big hugs.

Amy, Anthony’s Mom
Chicago, IL
(Anthony attended camp in 2007 for his 4th summer.)

Dear Ann,

This is Rebecca L. You may not remember me but my sisters and I attended your camp a few years back.

We are all doing fine and hope that all of you are still having a great time at the camp. I see that Mark and Martha have a beautiful little girl and are still working there.

I am now a senior at Fountain-Fort Carson High and will be attending Colorado State University in Pueblo, this upcoming fall, majoring in Secondary Eduation for History. I hope to become a history teacher. I am attendng school with another past camper, Chris F. We realized that we went to the same camp when we both went to school wearing the same sweat shirt.

Debra is doing fine and is majoring in multmedia and graphic design at Pikes Peak Community College and is planning to attend Colby College in Kansas next fall.

Diana is now the proud mother of two little girls, Mahkayla and Gwedolyn.

I just wanted to say hi and thank you for your time those years back. You made a difference in my life and I am thankful for that.

I hope that this upcoming summer is successful for you and you have a great year.

Thank you for everything,
      
Rebecca

(Rebecca and her older sisters came to camp for a few summers in the mid 1990’s and found us to thank us!  These letters mean so much to us!!! )

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