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At the start of LUM Camp, one camper repeatedly told their junior counselor they did not want to be there. But by the end of the week, that same camper was enthusiastically announcing, “I’m 100% coming back next year!”
For one incoming 11th grader at McCutcheon High School, the transformation was a powerful first glimpse into the impact of LUM Camp. Serving as a junior counselor for the first time, she volunteered after hearing about the program from a friend and said she was drawn to the opportunity to work with kids. Although she had never attended summer camp herself, she quickly found a sense of belonging in what she described as “one big family.”
"I had a blast at LUM Camp," she said. "All my co-counselors were so helpful and welcoming." She noticed that nearly every activity centered on teamwork, giving campers opportunities to encourage one another, solve problems together, and build lasting friendships.
Her favorite part, however, was simply watching the children have fun. "I've never seen kids smile so much," she said. "And I still find myself singing the camp songs—they're so catchy!"
As she reflected on her week, she wanted LUM's supporters to know just how much their generosity means.
"Thank you to every LUM donor! LUM Camp is such an amazing experience for the kids and counselors. Some of the campers have already told me they want to be counselors one day, and that shows how big of an impact you've made. Nothing would be possible without your generosity, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the incredible experience you give these kids."
Thanks to faithful LUM donors, children leave camp with far more than memories. They leave with new friendships, greater confidence, lessons in teamwork, and adults who believe in them. And sometimes, they leave already counting the days until next summer.
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