The summer of 2019 Michael and his younger brother got to come to camp thanks to the generosity of the scholarship funds from the Children's Service Guild. He was an angry young man. Although we don't know the details of his story, it’s not hard to imagine he had every right to be angry. He and his brother had been in the foster care system for some time, and he was sure at any moment his mom was going to be able to take them both home. Michael was a challenge for our staff, but with true servant's hearts they took on the extra challenge and worked hard to love Michael though the week. It was evident early on that he was having a good time, there were glimpses of smiles and laughter in between the angry outbursts. Arter that first camp, his case worker contacted me and let me know how much camp had meant to Michael and how it seemed he was doing somewhat better in his home.

Later in the summer I put out an email to let my case worker connections know we still had scholarships left to give for foster children. Michael's worker reached out again and asked if he could attend another camp. Typically, we don't offer 2 scholarships in one summer to the same camper. However, this felt like something important, and we had to do it. I felt strongly that the Children's Guild would feel the same way. That Michael and his brother attend our second Elementary camp of the summer.

He did better at this camp for several reasons we think. This time he knew what to expect, there were some repeat staff who knew him and were prepared to help him along and because we had grown to care for him even more. It was not a week without trials, but it was smoother than the first camp. By this time, he and his brother had been moved to separate homes and seemed very glad to see each other at camp.

In January, his case worker contacted me to see if there was money for him to attend our Winter Camp. I reached out to the Guild, and they generously agreed to provide money for Michael, his brother and 3 other foster campers. As it turned out, Michael and his brother did not make it to camp.

The next week at school he noticed a framed picture on his teacher’s desk. He recognized the young girl from camp and asked her about it. She explained that it was her daughter. He shared that he went to camp with her. At first, she didn't know if she should believe him, but he shared many details about camp.

She is one of our volunteers and her kids have attended for a year. It was another thing they could bond over. This gave them an even deeper connection as they both talked about what they loved about Potosi.

She has told us that Michael is now in a group home. He told her he did not care where he ended up as long as he could keep going to that same school and still get to go to Potosi. She assured him she would do all she could to make sure that was possible. This wonderful teacher and volunteer made arrangements to take him out of the group home last Saturday so she could bring him and her own kids to our camp cleanup day. Michael was happy to come get to be at camp and give back. Several volunteers came and they helped to clear our volleyball court that had gotten badly overgrown.

Your support and generosity has helped to provide some small bit of stability in this child's life. Without you he would not have been able to attend camp and he would not have so many additional caring adults in his life. Thank you for your vision and your wisdom to provide something more than just the basic care for our foster children. Your work is making a difference. We see it in all the kids you help send and we see it especially in Michael. You are changing lives.

Tracey Brown,
Director, Potosi Pines Camp