You gave me back my son. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. ~camper Mom

Thank you so much for providing my son with a WONDERFUL weekend!~camper Mom

He had such a great time. His BB was just an angel. ~camper parent

You've built such a meaningful, moving, FUN camp. It is a huge, incredible thing you've done. BB volunteer

My life feels like it has purpose. Thank you. ~volunteer

In fourth grade, my close friend died suddenly. There was support through the school, but a conference room surrounded by my peers and a stranger (albeit a professional counselor) isn't what I needed. I was a shy kid, scared that I would forget what my friend looked like. So I drew a picture of her. I kept this pencil drawing for many years, and later wrote a letter to her. These are examples of how I coped. ~BB

My son's buddy could not have been more perfect for him. ~camper parent

My son gave me a hard time about going, and locked himself in the car when we got there. When I picked him up, he was crying because he didn't want to leave. ~camper Mom

I just can't put into words how this makes me feel, that you got my son to write something to his Dad.  He doesn't like to talk about it, and his BB said he talked about his Dad a lot. Thank you. ~camper Mom

After I went (to the Family Workshop) I had a healthier way of dealing with my Mom's illness, and enjoyed hearing others share. A very worth while time for me, and I hope the program grows and reaches out to the community. ~ Family Workshop participant

Is there a particular academic experience during your time at Dickinson that stands out as most meaningful/influential? My most meaningful experience was my junior year while being an intern for Camp Koala. I learned about this internship while being part of the Montgomery Service Leaders Program (then called Bonner Leaders). ~Bertha Flores, Intern

Camp Koala was really fun and if you ever go you will have a great time. ~camper

Thank you for this camp and for all of the hard work that had to go into it. ~camper parent

 

Camp Koala is a fun camp to go to. ~camper

I dreaded coming to the Family program, but did it for my kids. I surprised myself, because once I started talking, I couldn't stop! Thank you for helping my kids, and especially me. ~adult workshop participant

Since attending camp, my son has begun to open up to his therapist, which he never had done before your camp. His therapist was amazed at how much camp had impacted his life, and how much progress he is making. He is talking about his Dad now, and has even cried for the first time since his death. ~camper parent

Camp Koala helped me understand (grief) more. ~camper

Thank you for letting me be a part of Camp Koala. I can't wait to come back! ~volunteer

Camp was so meaningful for my son. ~camper parent

I would tell my friends to go to Camp Koala. ~camper

Camp Koala is many laughs and few tears. I canoed for the very first time. ~camper

At Camp Koala, I learned that there were other people who lost their Dad, too. ~camper

Camp is so fun, you can roast marshmallows and you can sleep in a sleeping bag and you aren't in a tent. I love fishing and my Big Buddy too. ~camper

My thanks to you cannot be expressed in words, but you'll be sure to see me again. ~C

What a wonderful, safe and therapeutic environment for children who are mourning the loss of a loved one to take things slowly. ~volunteer

Camp Koala is the best! ~camper

Camp is very friendly, like a home environment. ~volunteer

Wow! This is what it's all about. ~volunteer

This was an amazing opportunity to learn about yourself through the eyes of a child. ~volunteer

I am going to recommend camp to all of my friends because it was a lot of fun. ~camper

It is an awesome place where you get to help out kids in need and do awesome things. ~volunteer

This was something I'll never forget. ~BB

I had to give away my horse when my Mom got sick, and I got to sit on a horse for the first time since then. I love this camp! ~camper

My spring would not be complete without volunteering to be a Big Buddy at Camp Koala. ~BB

The feelings in my heart when I leave my Little Buddy cannot be explained, knowing I was there for yet another child is reward enough!~BB volunteer

Camp Koala bring such joy to my heart! I LOVE hearing all the stories and helping all the kids. The relationships and friendships you leave with are the best! ~BB

Camp Koala was an amazing experience! ~volunteer

It was a rewarding experience, I know I helped to make a difference. ~BB

When I read about Camp Koala, I knew I had to be a part of it. ~Jr. Buddy

I've been in their shoes, and would love to put a smile on their faces again. ~BB

I was able to witness the difference the BB's made upon the lives of the LB's and want to come back!

Camp Koala was such an extremely rewarding experience, watching the children express their grief in various ways. ~BB

I want to express my gratitude for this experience. ~volunteer

Thank you for the privilege of being a BB. It was a moving experience to spend the weekend with kids whose lives have had such upheaval through loss. ~BB

I think the camp is great! Helping someone understand how to grieve, and move forward without forgetting. ~volunteer

I had a great time! ~D

I was afraid to come at first because I didn't want to cry in front of anyone. Camp wasn't a sad place at all. I made lots of friends and was surprised it was fun. I want to come back again. I didn't mind talking about my Dad because I felt like everyone was just like me and wanted to listen to my story and my feelings. ~camper

I had an awesome experience as a Big Buddy! I love this organization! ~M

I know from grieving the loss of my sister that kids can feel like they have no one to turn to. ~volunteer

The camp was great! I made friends. ~camper

It is so easy in life to get caught up in the daily grind, and Camp Koala was a refreshing reminder to stay grounded and to remember the wonderful implications that one person's acts of kindness can have on another person. ~volunteer BB

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for starting Camp Koala.

Thank you for letting me be a part of Camp Koala this year. ~volunteer

It was an extraordinarily healing weekend for me. ~BB

I believe in human connectivity more than ever before. ~BB volunteer

I had a great time at Camp Koala. My favorite part was archery. Camp made me feel good. ~camper

I made friends at camp. ~camper

Thank you all so much for your time, love and sensitivity. ~camper Mom

The gifts that Camp Koala gave these kids cannot be measured.~N

It was an honor to be part of Camp Koala. Your energy, creativity, compassion inspire me. ~C

Please know how much you are appreciated and thought of! ~camper parent

Your presentation was inspiring and the mission of the camp connected with me because I was a child faced with a sudden loss. ~A

Camp Koala was the best thing that I have done in a very long time. ~N

My father died when I was 8 and there was little support in the 1950's, because everyone simply coped. I didn't talk much because I didn't want my mother to feel sad, and she didn't say much either. Unfortunately, that pattern was not a healthy one. 50 years later, I need to seek counseling for depression, many thoughts and memories needed to be discussed. I heard you speak about Camp Koala and told my husband this was what I probably needed after my father's sudden death and he agreed. You present a vital opportunity for kids who are hurting inside to find help as they grieve.  ~A