Join me and help write a child's success story!

Before coming to Ramapo for my first summer in 1997 I finished my undergrad at Ohio State. I was looking forward to “getting away” and doing something new in a new part of the country. It had been a very stressful year and I was desperate for a new adventure. Despite several setbacks in the weeks prior to my departure, I was determined to get to New York when many others were telling me I should not go. It was a feeling in my gut, that “I needed this”.

When I describe my first summer to people, I tell them that “my feet never touched the ground”. It was either the fact that I was with three rambunctious bunks of boys that required endless amounts of energy; all I remember is running, racing, throwing balls, shooting hoops and walking up and down the trail countless times per day. Or, it was the fact that I was on Cloud Nine….and possibly the happiest I had ever been in my life up to that point.

Ramapo filled every void I had in my life that summer; a feeling of purpose, belonging, structure, a community grounded in a set of values, the fulfillment of pushing beyond perceived limits and countless amounts of fun in pleasure’s most pure form. My heart had never been so full; it was the beginning of a love affair.

Sixteen years later I’m sitting in my office in Stemple Hall, looking out the window at the same trees and pots of flowers, old buildings that have been here through the ages and new ones that have kept us growing. I have no doubt that I am exactly where I am meant to be. The mornings that I jog by the lake, the view never gets old and the appreciation never weakens. In addition to the natural beauty, to be surrounded by good-hearted, hard-working, positive people who are committed to making a difference in people’s lives is a true gift. Regardless of what the future brings, like so many others, Ramapo is simply and forever a part of me.

I’m raising money for Ramapo’s 2013 Summer Scholarship Appeal. My goal is to raise $1600 to provide a week of camp for a child in need. Please join me by donating $20 or more to give a child with social, emotional, or learning challenges an amazing summer at Camp Ramapo.

All children dream of success. Ramapo helps them align their behaviors with their aspirations. For 90 years, Ramapo for Children has been creating inclusive environments that foster skill development, promote positive behavioral change, and support learning and personal growth. Serving children with social, emotional and learning challenges, Ramapo provides a one-to-one staff-to-camper ratio, helping each child to build healthy relationships and learn essential life skills.

I am hoping that you will help give a child a summer at Camp Ramapo. Your tax deductible donation can be made right here online. You can also check with your employer to see if they match donations.

Want to do more? You can help even further by creating your own fundraising page and spread the word to your friends and family. Join here: http://ramapo.seeyourimpact.org/.