2008 Woodie Awards
Students Eager for Texas Service Trip
Deepika Mehra
Issue date: 3/30/05 Section: News
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According to Kinah Ventura, "The camp facility was designed for chronically ill and physically challenged children--Camp John Marc--Special Camps for Special Kids.
?Camp John Marc is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to creating camps where all kids can just be kids. Through camps specially designed to fill their needs, children who are physically impaired, or are chronically or terminally ill can experience the joy and fulfillment of participating in normal camp activities. Each week, Camp John Marc works with a different group of chronically ill children: heart disease, HIV/AIDS, brain trauma, etc. Our week of camp is Camp Reynal - for children with severe kidney disease. The camp relies heavily on volunteers to help with the heavy workload."
Ms. Ventura says that students "...come back with a deeper appreciation of their lives. You think you have problems, and then you meet these kids. So resilient, so strong -yet they go through dialysis. Some may not make it to camp from year to year, yet we tend to think we're going to live forever. The trip helps students to open their eyes to the world around them, and enables them to share their time, love and talents with these super kids!"
Rocchina Pugliese, a returning student said, "I heard about the trip through my friend Christina who is in my biology class and she suggested that a bunch of us from biology should go because it would be fun. Last year was my first time, but I am planning on going this year again because I enjoyed it so much. It was a great experience!"
Moreover, Pugliese says that she would recommend MC students to go on this trip because "it is an experience that they will never forget, fun times, new friends, laughter and so much more."
Pugliese also believes that "the purpose of the trip is not only to make a difference in other peoples lives but it is also a growing experience. It is a way to make new friends and its something that you can not just learn from a textbook. You actually have to go through it yourself to see what I mean. For me, it made me aware that there are other people in need out there and if one can help out, that's a great accomplishment that you will treasure your whole life."