ParentLetters

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e receive numerous notes and letters from parents of boys and girls who have attended one of our approved camps as a result of a sponsored campership through the Cheley Foundation. Many parents report that, upon their return from camp, their children demonstrate enhanced maturity, self-confidence, and social skills.

	See a slideshow sent to us by one camper's family. (You will need Powerpoint software in order to view this slideshow.)

	For our son, this camping experience was a "life-changing" experience. He's not only learned new skills for life, but he's accepted new challenges. It has been a character building experience that will show results for a lifetime. The moment I saw him I could tell he was a "changed" young man. I feel he learned about friendship and bonds. He learned how to challenge himself. He's learned about self reliance. Most importantly, he's showing by example the relevance of a "code of ethics."

	Not only did he cultivate some very special friendships, he left camp with a renewed sense of self and greater confidence. We had the opportunity to join him during his final weekend at camp. It was obvious to us that he had had a profound life-changing experience. It was rather extraordinary for us to observe the bond he shared with his fellow campmates and staff. He seemed completely at ease with others, and appeared unusually comfortable with his emotions. It was as if he had somehow made peace with his true and natural self. Camp was also a time of profound self-discovery for him. At the ripe young age of 13, he discovered the freedom and beauty of living in the moment, enjoying the here and now. The focus from "doing" to "being" has been a powerful revelation for him. It's also apparent that he had many opportunities to fine tune his leadership skills. Please know how much your sponsorship has meant to us. We are forever grateful.

	I write once again to thank you for allowing my son to experience a wonderful session at camp. He has expressed in letters to his family how the second time around was better for him because he knew what to expect and what was expected of him. Also through his letters I fell he had a sense of comfort for the wilderness, and that he has gained positive leadership skills. The feedback I received from his counselors proved his inner strengths at camp had a positive effect on other campers. He has also mentioned several times to family how one day hew would like to become a junior counselor and then a senior counselor at camp so he can give back what the experience has given to him.

	Thank you for choosing my son Nigel for the 2004 camp scholarship. Nigel's a great son, person and student. He works hard everyday and deserves to have a reward such as this. Camp brought out the best in Nigel and has taught him responsibility, self-confidence and leadership skills. Again, thanks!

	Josh is 13 and had never been away from home for more than a week and we were both fearful this would be hard. Slowly the news trickled in and he was having a blast. He was falling in love with the horses and the mountains. When we came to pick him up from camp we noticed he was in his element. His posture was better, his manners seemed better and he was not afraid to tell us that he loves us. The drive home was very sad for Josh because he was leaving a once in a lifetime experience. He made friends and learned how to ride and care for horses. We began to see daily the life changes camp had made on Josh. There has not been a day since that we have not heard about or seen evidence of camp. As a mother, I have been grateful and thrilled that my son had the privilege and opportunity to attend and participate in camp. It has been a life changing summer.

	I would like to thank you for giving Alex the opportunity to attend camp. Without your funding help with the tuition, he would have never gotten the chance to experience the wonders he tells us about. During Alex's time at camp, he learned many new skills and also had a chance to improve on skills he already possessed. These include archery, riflery, horseback riding, river rafting, mountain climbing, etc. These new skills, combined with friendships he made, have led to an increase in Alex's self-esteem and given him a great confidence in his own abilities. It has also helped develop his social skills, making him more outgoing and more accepting of the differences in individual people. The endeavors that my son has undergone will undoubtedly aid him through future points in his life. I thank you for sharing the camp experience with him.

	Camp was once again a great experience for my child, Corey. I sense a change in him from when he left to when he came back. Before he went to camp, I would have to tell him to do his chores - after he came back from camp, I didn't have to tell him. He did the on his own. We feel camp is like one big happy family. Thank your Foundation for myself and Corey for giving him this great opportunity and support.