It wasn’t so easy getting him there the first year. We watched all the great videos on your web site and he thought it looked like camp might be fun, but I had to promise him that he wouldn’t have to do arts and crafts. He came home that year with the award for best pottery.
Now my son loves Camp Kirk. His room is adorned with years of mementos (arts and crafts). He has even saved all of his outgrown t-shirts.
He raves about the food and how good it is. Which usually upsets his brother because the food at his camp isn’t so great. He always talks about the variety and all the great desserts. Last year he came home excited about bacon and yogurt together. I am sure that was him and his friends doing and not the chef’s.
Speaking of friends, he has made a more than a few of those as well. Not only the campers but staff also. I remember once we ran into a young man at a movie that my son ran up to as if he was a long lost friend. They chatted for awhile and after he left I asked if he was one of his cabin staff. He said, “No mom, that’s the laundry guy. He’s the best.”
However, all of that is not why I am writing this letter. I had struggled with behavioural challenges with my son for many years. Since he started going to Camp Kirk those challenges have lessened every year. I am sure that camp is not the only reason for the improvement, but I do know it plays a big part.
His desire to spent more time at Camp Kirk has inspired him to get a job delivering papers. He has saved every dime so that he can help me pay for camp. As well, he volunteers at the local Boys and Girls Club, so that he can practice being an LIT.
He hopes to one day be a counsellor at Camp Kirk. All the while he is coming home with the best report cards he has ever had. I don’t want to jinx it, but also I can’t remember the last time I got a call from the school over some behavioural issue.
In short, I love Camp Kirk also.
90% Increased Independence 
99% Improved Self-Esteem
88% Improved Self-Advocacy
88% Increased Adaptability 
95% Improved Sense of Belonging
96% Increased Employable Skills
