We have a saying at Camp Alkulana: From the first time you come up our driveway, you are family. That family includes our campers, staff members, volunteers, and more. Those who support Camp Alkulana from afar are also part of this Alkulana Family.
Camp is not just a place. In the past two years we have held several events in Richmond so they can see their Camp friends and counselors. The spirit of our space in Millboro comes alive in new spaces through Alkulana RVA and APP.
Camp is not just something that you do. It is something that connects all of us. In this holiday season, we have partnered with the Oregon Hill Baptist Center and several churches in the RCFN to provide Thanksgiving meals, Christmas Store gifts, and Christmas food baskets for several of our camper families.
Camp is a way of sharing our love. During our fall staff retreat, counselors wrote personal notes to the families that were delivered with the meals and gifts. Our staff and volunteers sent home baked goods.
We visited the homes of many of the families. It was a gift to us to be able to stand in homes and yards and talk to mothers about their children. They told us of their joys and struggles. We hear from a lot of parents how much Camp has meant to not just their children, but to their family. They appreciate the safe places that we offer, and the love that is shared.
We also hear how they struggle to care for their families, not just financially and physically, but emotionally and spiritually. We are continually saying to our camper families that we want them to let us know if there is ever anything that we can do for them. Just this year we have had opportunities to provide bedding to a family who lost their home in a fire. We have helped a family prevent the disconnection of their electricity. With the help of our entire Camp Alkulana family, every camper or volunteer who has ever come up our driveway, we are growing and strengthening our community.
All families are the same in that they want their children and grandchildren to be happy and safe. We are honored that they choose to let us be a part of their lives.
by: SaraAnne Burgess, Camper & Family Liaison