It is not uncommon for True Friends campers to return year after year. One of our campers, Grady, is a friendly face we’ve enjoyed seeing for nearly two decades. Grady began his experience with True Friends when he was 12 years old at a Camp Courage weekend retreat. He said that is when he fell in love. “True Friends is my home away from home. It’s paradise!”
One of Grady’s favorite camp activities is boating. True Friends’ accessible pontoons allow campers of all abilities to enjoy a leisurely ride around the lake – something many would never have the opportunity to do otherwise.
“Get me on that boat and try and get me off,” Grady said. “That’s an impossible task. I feel comfortable. It’s either the hayride or the pontoon. It’s just that soothing.”
Grady has made so many friendships and lasting memories during his time with True Friends. When asked what he most looks forward to each summer, Grady explained, “Interacting with friends that I’ve known for years and welcoming new friends. They say ‘Camp Friendship’… that’s a lie. It is a family camp. You become family at the end of the day.”
“True Friends is my home away from home. It’s paradise!”
For Grady, the perfect way to describe camp is, “Chaos, in the best way possible. It’s the best chaos in the world. I mean, we wake up together and we’re loud. We’re crazy. We wake up an hour before breakfast and we’re still late because everyone’s enjoying being around each other.”
Grady would encourage anyone who is considering coming to True Friends to register. “It’s the world’s greatest place,” he said. “We don’t know hate. Hate is not welcome. We’re all love. If you don’t [sign up for Camp], you may miss out on the memory of a lifetime.”
True Friends is a second home for many of our campers. The lasting friendships and unforgettable memories would not be possible if it wasn’t for our generous community. Thank you for considering a gift to True Friends; your support allows us to continue to provide programs where people like Grady find friendships that last a lifetime.
