We went to a weekend family camp in August of 2010. It was at this camp that we found out about Joni and Friends. We became aware that they offered a weeklong camp at different locations throughout the United States and abroad. I called them first thing the following Monday. We talked about what Joni and Friends was all about and what their mission was. I asked about the family camp I had heard so much about the previous weekend. The camp started the next week, so I figured it would be full for this session and was asking about the next camp. Imagine my surprise when I received a phone call two days later asking if we could attend the session just a few days away. There was a family that had a full scholarship but was unable to attend. Our family was able to slide into that slot.

My husband was unable to secure the time off of work in such a short notice.  I took both of my kiddos and drove 5 hours to get to camp. I was very thankful that the drive went so very well. When we got to camp it was like a pep rally waiting for us. There were people with banners, pompoms and welcome signs everywhere! Instantly it felt like we were going to have some fun.

We got settled into our room and met our short term missionaries (STM).  We had a STM for each of the kids and it was great to have extra support so there were less worries. There was a connection with the other parents who understood my worries and concerns.  It was another Mom who had been to Family Camp before that reassured me that my kids would be fine. I was worried as my son likes to run and has no regard for his personal safety. After explaining all of this to his STM, I started to relax.

The camp itself is in Jumonville, PA. It was in the mountains with lots of little hills to climb to go back and forth to each building. It was fun to explore the camp and the grounds. There were activities planned for every hour, including a down time for a couple of hours each day. The kids had separate activities planned, so although we were separated, the kids had so much fun. The STM’s let each child choose what they wanted to do. My son is obsessed with picking dandelions and his STM spent hours in the field picking “flowers” with him.

At one of the breakout sessions, there was pampering for the women. This included manicures and foot reflexology. The entire time was about recharging my own energies. The STM’s even ate meals with our family and helped the kids while I ate.  The last dinner was a picnic dinner for couples and a served meal for those without a partner with them.  Members from a local church served as wait staff and decorated the tablescape in a Tropical theme.

The week was an amazing experience and simply a chance to relax and recharge. It would not have been possible for our family to attend without the funding provided to us through Joni and Friends.

 After hearing Kate's story I researched and found that Joni and Friends reaches thousands of families affected by disability around the globe through radio and television ministries, the Wheels for the World international wheelchair distribution ministry, Family Retreats to provide respite for those with disabilities and their families, Field Services to provide church training along with educational and inspirational resources at a local level, the Christian Institute on Disability (CID) to establish a firm biblical worldview on disability-related issues, and the Christian Fund for the Disabled. Many wonderful resources for families with children that have special healthcare needs! Check them out. www.joniandfriends.org