For all of us, we have a time of the year we love, a place we can’t wait to return to, and memories that stay with us. For longtime True Friends camper Jonathan Anderson, that place is True Friends where he’s been going for the last 13 years. “It is absolutely my favorite time of the year. I talk about it to everyone all year,” said Jon when we asked him about why he loves True Friends. Since first coming to camp, Jon has kept a prized photo album made up of his favorite memories from each summer. Throughout the year, he carries it with him and shows it off to everyone.
There is an abundance of accessible activities that True Friends participants can take part in. For Jon, there is so much about True Friends that he loves. “I love my counselors, cabins, food, fishing from the dock, swimming, arts and crafts – especially when my counselors help me draw and color superheroes like the Ninja Turtles, Spider-man and the Flash,” shared Jon, who keeps his prized drawings hung up on the walls of his bedroom at home.
Jon also loves trying new things at camp. For Jon’s parents, David and Jane, they are always excited and amazed to hear about all the new activities Jon tries at camp. “Archery is one of Jon’s new favorite activities at camp! He also loves to go on the zip line,” Jane and David said. “We are thrilled he loves zip line because it’s something we could never do.”
David remembers the first time they took Jon to Camp Friendship when he was 8 years old. “I was a nervous wreck — we were worried the entire week. Now, we don’t get a phone call. It’s a safe place, he’s independent, he can continue to go. There aren’t many places like that.” David and Jane know that when Jon gets dropped off at camp, it’s his home away from home.
Each week at camp ends with a talent show, where any camper who wants can perform for their fellow campers and counselors. Jon loves to sing, and in the weeks leading up to camp, he carefully chooses his song and practices consistently before arriving. Performing in the talent show has become one of his favorite and most anticipated activities at camp.
Jane and David love True Friends. “This is Minnesota in the summer — it’s a positive camp culture. It’s amazing. Now that Jon is an adult, it’s amazing for us to know that he can keep going to camp every year as long as he is able to enjoy it. That’s pretty assuring as a parent.” Having a place where Jon is safe, protected and cared for is what Jane and David want most. For this to be in Jon’s life, they couldn’t ask for anything else.
Please consider making a gift today so more individuals and families can experience the connection, joy and community that True Friends offers. Your financial support propels our mission forward for campers like Jon.
