Camp Promise wrapped up a summer full of on-the-ground magic with an exciting week in Brackney, Pennsylvania. From August 15-20, 2022, 19 volunteers and 15 campers joined Camp Promise East at Arrowhead Bible Camp.
Happiness was in abundance as campers were greeted with cheers while we welcomed them back in-person for the first time since 2019.
Each day at Camp Promise East had a different theme: cabin color day, retro game character day, college game day, camp t-shirt day, and rock n’ roll day.
For her first time at Camp Promise, Jett Foundation’s Director of Finance Allison Caputo was exposed to all of the week’s elements: magic, fun, pranks, games, emotions, friendly competition, and more.
“My week at Camp Promise East exceeded every expectation that I had,” says Allison. “The dedication of the camp staff and counselors to the campers warmed my heart. The campers are incredible. If you haven’t been to camp you need to go. It will change your life!”
With Arrowhead being a new facility for Camp Promise East, campers did a lot of exploring and met up with familiar faces and new friends. Camp Promise East was split into purple, black, orange, red, and blue cabins.
“There are never enough words to explain how much Camp Promise means to me. It’s my home away from home, my second family, my safe place,” says camper Molly Murphy, a returning camper in the purple cabin.
A moment for the books: Campers got to soar the skies at sunrise in a hot air balloon, which was a “first” for many of our campers!
“Getting to bring together this group for a hot air balloon ride not only to celebrate finally being together, but also that 2020 would’ve marked Camp Promise East’s 10th Birthday, is a milestone worthy of something special, even if it took the world a few years to be ready,” says Meghan Houston, Jett Foundation’s Camp Promise Program Director.
“Getting to ride in a hot air balloon was a very cool experience. I have never done anything like that before!” says camper Jayvien.
Speaking of firsts, many campers experienced a ride on an accessible pontoon boat, went on a hayride, participated in wheelchair riot pedal carts, and even played accessible mini golf.
The week also included Mario Kart racing tournaments, throwing a tailgate party with yard games, playing water balloon Human Battleship, and dancing and singing the night away at the blacklight party. Campers even got to show off their skills at Camp Promise’s very own talent show!
Staff, campers, counselors, and volunteers ended every night around the campfire which became extra special. It gave us the opportunity to relax at the end of each night and talk about all the fun we had during the day. This also gave campers a chance to get to know each other more while playing games.
“Ending our summer tour on the east coast was bittersweet to say the least. It was the cherry on top of our very sweet summer,” says Meghan.
Camp experiences would not be possible without our dedicated campers, volunteers, and sponsors. Thank you to Dralla Foundation, Dunkin Joy in Childhood Foundation, The Flatley Foundation, PTC Therapeutics, Sarepta Therapeutics, Yale Appliance, Amazon, Twin Tees/Shirtworks, and Snappy Clothing.
We are already looking forward to next summer and making more lifelong memories!
