May 11, 2009

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  Back in the late 1970's I worked for two summers at a place called Camp Merry Heart just outside of Hackettstown, NJ.  It is in northwestern NJ and in the mountains with lots of trees and fresh air.  I was a counselor the first year and the second year I was a counselor and the nature lady who ran nature classes.  The camp is for handicapped children and adults ranging from mild disorders to severe handicaps.  Those were the best two summers of my whole life.  I was in my early twenties and a sophomore and junior in college.  No where else had I ever learned to die to myself and be the arms and legs for another.  I was there from the beginning of June until the end of August. Every two weeks a new group of campers arrived. We had two weeks of adults then two weeks of little ones then two weeks of children from a home in the inner city and then two weeks of mixed handicaps...ranging from mentally handicapped to all sorts of physical handicapped.  Everyone loved being there.  I treasure those years. There was barely any time to devote to self...it was the perfect thing for me and for all the other counselors.  It was all about bringing joy into the lives of the campers and they did show their joy.  I would love to get in contact with anyone who worked there through the years and I do wish I would be able to find some of the campers I had under my charge.  I loved them all so dearly.  Have you ever heard of this place or have been there to work or as a camper?  It is still there. 
  I saw this video on you tube and I was so thrilled to see this tribute.  I hope you are too.

  Also...the new photos will be up today on iliveinmycamera.  The subject this week is "broken or busted."
  

  Duckies in profile pic...are from a little visit to a little place my family took me to for Mother's Day....They were soooo much fun to watch!

  • 8:25 am
  • 3 Comments