A Journey of Discovery

If you have never visited our camp in Dittmer, the experience is worthwhile. During the summer each and every weekday is a schedule of adventures for our campers, and the grounds are alive with activity. Our campers meet challenges and achieve goals while having the time of their lives, and just being there to see it, is a reminder of what the mission of the CEC is all about. 

Recently, I had the opportunity to follow a group of campers as they embarked on a canoe float down the Meramec River. The July morning was steamy, and the sky had the promise of rain in it.  But what were a few drops to group of explorers setting off on a river journey? There was an excitement in the air as staff packed up the vans, tied down the canoes and loaded passengers for the trip to Sullivan and Meramec State Park.

Once there, the canoes were unloaded and our campers were ready, life jacketed, with oars and water bottles in hand.  Canoes were bolted together in pairs for stability, and each boat had an experienced staffer for steering. Campers who depend on wheelchairs for mobility took the center place in the canoe to experience a different means of travel. After some brief instructions from Camp Director Rob Darroch, and the splash of an initial water war, the canoeists set off down river, adventure ahead.

It was a short float but full of firsts for some and familiar pleasures for others.  For some, it meant learning how to paddle (forward); for others it was giving a body deprived of movement a dip in the river and the freedom of floating with the current; for a few it was a step into their first exploration of the great outdoors; for all it was an experience they won’t soon forget.

I am one of the all. I saw people taking in the beautiful scenery and enjoying the refreshing sensation of a midmorning swim. I saw laughter and play and friendships bloom. I saw campers overcoming physical challenges and stepping beyond those mental barriers we all create sometimes, to add a new experience to their lives.

Before we left, several campers and staff hiked into the damp dark enclosure of a small cave.  We traveled several hundred feet; then for a brief moment turned out our flashlights, just to see how dark it could be. I think all our hearts quickened for a moment before we turned them on again.  Life can be really dark without those moments of light, without companionship, anticipation, fun and adventure. Sunnyhill brings light into the lives of so many. Thank you for your support of our mission. Thank you for turning on the light for more campers this summer.