Yearning for Summer Camp

It is always towards the end of June that I begin to miss Skylake Ranch Camp. This was not just a place for a kid to escape to, and learn and make friends, and all that stuff. For me, today, it has a much deeper meaning. When you are young and have a physical disability, you do not understand the slight actions of people not wanting to hang out with you. Skylake Ranch Camp (SRC) made me feel right at home.

There were never any questions about if I could or could not do something. It was always just "how can we include Nick?" And people would come up with very creative ways to help me to get to the top of a mountain. That is what three counselors allowed me to do. They literally carried my stroller up the 317 feet of steps and mist. I remember when my friends and I finally got to the top. All of a sudden, there was a great peace, and everyone became silent. We looked over the edge, and I remember seeing the whole valley. This was 22 years ago, and these memories are still vivid in my mind, and help me remember that I want to start a summer camp for all to enjoy!