A Place to be genuine and open
Aiden H., CRS 2023 Session 1, Colorado, US
Camp Rising Sun provides campers with not only tangible leadership skills, but also with opportunities to grow on a deeply personal level. Aiden attended this summer’s first session and had a transformational experience that he knows will only continue to unfold:
“On the last day of camp I was asked, ‘how has CRS changed you’? At the time I couldn’t find an answer, since in many ways I still felt like myself. Now I recognize that the personal growth and change won’t fully manifest itself immediately, but will be revealed much later. Instead, the life lessons we learned at Camp will continue to impact us throughout our lives in every encounter and obstacle.”
At Camp, challenges are bound to arise, just as they do in real-world scenarios. It is always incredible to see how campers approach situations and one another, using the tools they are developing in conflict resolution, compassion, empathy, respect, ethics, and so much more. Aiden felt like he could be himself, sharing his thoughts and beliefs with his peers. He also found a huge source of support in his session’s Queer Affinity Group, where he was able to connect with peers who could relate to many of his own life experiences.
“I believe that Camp brought out the most genuine aspects of all of us. It allowed us to open up parts of ourselves that had never been shared before. It is that vulnerability that made Camp so beautiful.”
Our organization’s hope is that campers will carry forward the lessons they learn while they are here. Aiden realized that our process of growing takes time— it doesn’t just happen overnight. It is continuous, and like a seed that we plant, it is something we will continue to nurture.
“Camp gave us a more positive perspective towards our world. It taught me resilience, adaptability, and elevated perspective. Above all, it gave me so many lifelong friendships. I’m forever grateful for participating in the process.”