EC-impact-report-2023-final1 - Flipbook - Page 20
Camper Spotlight
Sometimes the ripple effect of camp comes from campers
finding ways to heal through creative expression, which, in
turn, inspires other grieving kids. That was the case for QUINN,
a camper for the past six years at our program in Maine
(nicknamed “SomEx”). Quinn also serves on our Youth Advisory
Board, sharing insights year-round about what it’s like to grieve
and how people can show up for others who are grieving.
Quinn’s mom died three years ago from
cancer, and her younger sister died
eight years ago from cancer. She says
she comes back to camp year after year
because it gives her a “space for what
I’m feeling, which can become a lifeline.
I’ve become part of a community that
grows every time I go to camp, and they
allow me to share exactly how I feel,
even if I can’t articulate it. I’ve grown
with these
people, the
camp itself,
and my grief.”
20
One thing Quinn told us she was proud
of last summer is the plaque she painted.
Each summer, campers are invited
to create a commemorative plaque
that represents the week of camp and
any shared experiences. For Quinn,
this image represents the contrast
between grief and light at camp, and
was a way for her to connect with
her mom, who was also an artist.
