At first I was afraid to be away from home - after all, I'm only 8. After 10 minutes on the bus, I couldn't wait to get there. I was very nervous about who would be in my bunk, but it turned out they were very cool people. Everyone I met there was so nice to me that it felt like I had my family with me. I was afraid to try a lot of the activities, but I did them and it turned out to be one of the best things that ever happened to me. I didn't think I could ever do a triathalon, but I tried my best and did it. Now I feel so strong, I can do anything. I know I'm different, but I like the person I am. We're all different and that makes things fun. I have so many 'sisters' now. I was sad to leave, but I can't wait to go back. CAMP MOVE IT RULES!!!!!!!
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Hilary Porteous-Nye, Summer '08 (Maddy's Mother)
My daughter Maddy had only had a couple of sleepovers before I sent her to camp and having her gone for a month paralyzed my heart with fear....would she miss me too much, would I miss her too much, how would her brother do without her, what if the other campers didn't like her or were mean to her??? The reason I ultimately decided to send her is because I noticed that girls in her grade were beginning to pick on each other, point out differences in a negative way, talk about each other's looks and weight, etc. In SECOND GRADE I was already beginning to see my daughter lose some of the natural confidence of childhood. When I heard about Jill's camp, I thought it might be exactly what she needed to realize what an amazing little person she is.
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What Camp MoveIt accomplished was to send her back to me feeling as good about herself as I do about her. She showed me pictures and told me stories about some of the creative, exciting and challenging things she experienced at camp. She carried herself with more confidence. While the transformation was remarkable, I wondered if the effect of her experience would be temporary, but she continues to try new things. She is SIGNIFICANTLY more independent than she was before the summer. She sings and dances around the house and proudly wears her Camp MoveIt clothes to school. I've learned more details from her since she's been back and not every little thing went perfectly, but supportive staff modeled strong conflict resolution skills which I now see her applying in different settings. I honestly couldn't have asked for a better experience and I can't wait to let her go again. *As for us - we survived without her and learned a little bit about giving her the trust and the room she needs to grow.
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Laurine & Rob Fellows, Summer '08 (Haley's Parents)
As a parent, you're always concerned about where you send your child, whether it be to camp, school or some sort of activity. This is especially true when contemplating something brand new, relatively unproven and far away from home. Hence our dilemma this past summer when we were approached about Camp MoveIt.
Fortunately, for us, the decision was made a little easier because we are good friends with 2 members of the staff whose children were also going to be attending, and whom our daughter Haley adores. However, even then, she was going to Maine (we're in Pennsylvania), she had never been away from us for more than a couple days, and she was going to be away for 2 whole weeks. But, after much consideration, trust in our friends and a belief in Jill's mission, we sent Haley off to Maine with a tear in our eye and hope in our hearts.
Flash forward. Haley wound up spending an entire month in Maine. Although it was difficult to get her to stay in touch as much as we would have liked (much too busy you see : ), the camp was great about sending parents updates and providing us with links to photo sites. Of course there were minor glitches here & there customary to any start-up project (especially one this massive), but all in all, we were extremely pleased with our decision and Haley was ecstatic. |
When Haley returned to us, she was a different person. She's 10 and has always been mature for her age (which unfortunately comes from growing up with a terminally ill father), but upon her return, she seemed wise beyond her years and more self-confident and relaxed. Everyone commented on it - not just when they saw her, but even when they simply talked to her on the phone On top of that, she seemed to have grown a foot in those 4 weeks - must be all that clean Maine air!!!
I could go on and on, but will try to sum things up here. Camp MoveIt is a truly unique and wonderful experience that you can trust and believe in. Every girl will benefit in some way and you'll be amazed at the transformation she makes when she starts to discover her real identity underneath all of the layers our modern day environment has piled upon her. Self-discovery and self-empowerment through the arts is Jill's motto - and now it's ours too!
THANK YOU JILL for providing us with the opportunity to help make your new camp a success - WE LOVE YOU!!!!
Sincerely,
Laurine & Rob Fellows (proud parents of Haley) |
Claire Croft, Ella Crot's Mother, Summer '08
Thank you
Thank you
Thank you!!!!
Dear Jill and all of your wonderful, amazing team,
I speak on behalf of Ella Croft who was so fortunate to be given the opportunity to join you this summer. It was a dream come true. She has come back with story after story that have made me laugh and laugh! You have all given her memories that will stay with her for life. The CD is incredible, I play it over and over again in the car truly amazed by the creativity and talent of these young girls.? |
I know Jill set out on this mission to empower girls to be the best...well, congratulations you already have achieved that. Ella has returned in such a short time with wonderful positive energy and a huge smile!?
I only wish there was camp for adults! I am going to try everything in my power to bring Ella back next year!
Again, Thank you so so much!
Claire Croft - Ella's mum! |
Lucia, Millburn NJ, Summer '08 (9 yrs)
Haley Fellows, Summer '08 (10 yrs)