Camp Wonderland Opened Amanda's Eyes To a "World of Possibility" When All Seemed Lost.Amanda was just eight years old when she and her brother and sister were put in foster care. She?s 20 years old now and wants to share her Salvation Army story.
?My mom was an addict. She couldn?t take care of us so we had to go live with foster parents. They belonged to The Salvation Army church. And during that first summer, we were able to apply and go to Camp Wonderland,? says Amanda.
We asked Amanda, who?s now a Camp Wonderland Counselor, what she remembers about her first trip to camp.
?I remember making friends with kids my age. Being able to camp outside. I never did that before. I never did arts and crafts. I learned about God and read the Bible. And everyone ? kids and counselors ? really cared about me and loved me,? she says.
We were surprised at that. And asked what she meant about being cared for ? and loved ? wasn?t she loved at home?
?When I think back, there wasn?t any love at home. With my mom being an addict, showing any kind of affection was very difficult. Her priorities were ? different,? she says lowering her voice a bit.
?And learning about God and having Bible study. That has made such a big difference in my life."
?Camp Wonderland opened up my eyes to possibilities I never dreamed would happen for me,? she smiles at this.
Today, Amanda?s at a local college and will be graduating soon.
And her mom?
?I am so proud of her. She?s been sober for nine years now. She graduated top of her class and has become a nurse!? She practically sings this glorious news.
And Amanda has some pretty big plans of her own. She?ll soon graduate from a local university. And she?s decided to become a math teacher. She?s even decided where she wants to teach. In Boston?s inner-city high schools.
?I want to be an inspiration for children living in poverty. I want to encourage them to get a good education,? she says.
Amanda?s actually already getting some good mentoring experience by working with the children at camp as a counselor. And she's just been promoted to Unit Leader at Camp Wonderland.
?I know what Camp Wonderland has done for me ? and it?s just awesome seeing the children year after year and the impact camp is having on them,? she says.
And we promised Amanda we?d thank you on her behalf. Here?s what she had to say to you for opening your heart to those without, ?Your gifts are used to help the young and the old, the loved and the unloved ? all of those in need. You are helping to make the world a better place.?
Thank you, Amanda. Thanks for sharing your story so that more people understand how critical our programs are for those who may otherwise never be given a chance to become their personal best.