Here’s what some of our campers have to say about us:
(From the journal of a Matolly Ranger): “I think the greatest thing about camp is that it brings out the best in people; I know it does for me. Because in the real world, we all put up massive barriers and try to act tough (or tuff), but as soon as I get to camp, it (the barrier) crumbles. Everyone at camp is so welcoming, friendly and courageous. We all just really love and support each other. I can’t tell you how many lifelong friends I have made from the 8 years I’ve been here. From the people to the activities, to self-esteem nights, to challenge course, to the two Ranger trips I have participated in, camp has helped me to discover who I am at this moment and what kind of person I want to be.”
(From the journal of a Ranger): “All of a sudden, I saw it as okay to hike slowly. I noticed the trees, the rocks, pine needles, leaves, sky, clouds, mountains and so many other things. I was happy. Still a bit lost, but laid back. Calm and positive. I noticed nature with a higher level of respect. I figured I liked the Appalachian Trail. It was beautiful. It was peaceful. Maybe I’d do it one day.”
(From the journal of a Ranger): “I will never forget this experience I had with my second family.”
(Matolly Camper): “Contrary to the low key check-in I expected, all of the counselors remembered me and welcomed me with smiles and hugs. I had not realized what Matolly was until that moment. It is a place filled with warm, caring, good-hearted people who do everything in their power to make every single person they come across feel loved and important.”
(Matolly Camper) “I have stayed friends with most of the girls and today we all joke about how that cabin saved all of our lives, but deep down, each one of us knows that it most definitely saved and changed us for the better.”
(Matolly Camper) “I met some of the best people during my time at Matolly (too many to even begin to name) who have pushed me and inspired me to be the best version of myself that I can possibly be. They have comforted me through losses and gains, never judging me, allowing me to be my genuine and whole self.”
(Ockanickon Camper): “Living with people that I’ve never met before has definitely enabled me to broaden my horizons and open myself up to a broader variety of people and a new community that has become my family.”
(LIT): “The program has taught me more self-control, because I’m constantly surrounded by younger childrens, and my actions reflect on them. Camp Ockanickon has given me an opportunity to be a good role model and be thankful for what I have.”
(A letter from a student at a visiting school): “I learned a lot about teamwork, how to live in a community, and also learned that I should “never sweat the small stuff.”
(Boots and Boats GOLD): “I know now that I can face any challenges and succeed.”
(Ranger GOLD): “The program is making a positive impact on my life because it taught me to push myself past my limits and I exceeded my expectations.”
(Letter from a camper): “I remember going into that lodge when my friend was helping me prepare for a math placement test and all the areas were decorated with nice pillows and rugs and someone was playing a guitar. I felt so warm and included, and I knew I wanted to be one of them; the sense of community and friendship was one I had not seen before.”
Camp is an experience for parents too! Here’s what they’re saying:
“He seems to ‘stand a little taller’ when he returns from his week at Ocky.”
“My son is much more helpful around the house without asking him. He’s up early, showing great signs of independence and not wanting our help in certain things. He listens better and thinks about his words before he speaks.”
“I have seen my son become more independent, less argumentative and more grateful.”
“My son is at a point where he’s not too sure where he fits in at school. He fits in at camp. He always talks so positively about his experiences every year. It definitely gives him more confidence.”
Some of our Groundbreakers (a service-oriented group at camp) recently completed a survey. Here’s what some of them had to say:
“I enjoyed the Broad Street Ministry because not only was I able to help others, but I had a good conversation and it opened my eyes to see what the world is really like.
“My favorite part of the club is being able to help people in need.”
“The elderly people were funny and nice and we got to play bingo with them. We were treated as honored guests and felt very welcomed.”
“I thought it was good that we worked on several small projects during the year. This gave us a variety of experiences, which I loved.”
“The wildlife refuge was a really neat place and I felt our work at the Broad Street Ministry was immensely satisfying, especially seeing people getting helped.”
“I really liked working at the Philadelphia Veterans Community Living Center. The people were having so much fun – and I was getting into it as well!”
“I loved seeing the happy people at the Philadelphia Veterans Community Living Center.”
“The people at the Philadelphia Veterans Community Living Center really made me laugh. And I had never really played bingo before!”
