CHAMP Camp: When was your first year of CHAMP Camp? How did you hear about it and why did you want to go?
Tony: My first year at Champ Camp was 2000. My mom heard about Champ Camp from the student she was an aide for at school. His name was Jason Leist. He said it was fun and that my mom should let me go. Jason and I both had a home care nurse named Doug Corns who used to go to camp with Jason. Doug went with me that first year to make my mom feel better about being away from me for the first time.
CHAMP Camp: What is your favorite activity at camp?
Tony: I like to climb the tall tower. I also like when I can sing and perform on stage.
CHAMP Camp: Why do you look forward to coming back to camp each year?
Tony: I have so much fun each year. I get to see my friends that I have made.
CHAMP Camp: What have you learned through CHAMP Camp that has had a positive impact on the rest of your life?
Tony: I learned that I can be away from my family and have a lot of fun.
CHAMP Camp: Is there something you have done outside of CHAMP Camp that you might not have had the confidence to do had you not had the CHAMP Camp experience?
Tony: I get up in front of people and sing and dance. I have now performed in some school plays and musicals.
CHAMP Camp: Could you ask your mom to comment on what they have liked about CHAMP Camp and how they feel it has benefited you?
Tony: Mom laughed and said she gets rid of me for a few days! She said that CHAMP Camp and the wonderful people that care for me there is the only place she feels good letting me go without family. It makes her happy to see me so excited to go and come home with so much to tell.
CHAMP Camp: What would you say to someone who was thinking about supporting camp through our adopt-a-camper program (which helps us pay for camp)?
Tony: I would say that it has really helped my mom out when she couldn’t send me herself. She is a single mom and sometimes we needed help. It made her happy and thankful when someone helped me go. Everyone should have so much fun.
CHAMP Camp: When was your first year of CHAMP Camp? How did you hear about it and why did you want to go?
Tony:
CHAMP Camp: