I wanted to write you a quick note to say thank you for yet another wonderful summer for our boys. A day hasn’t gone by without some camp story, song or game being told, sung or played in our house. Our boys had a fantastic summer. I’m not sure how you do it, but they come back closer as a band of brothers than when they leave and I love that. The boys have always been quite close, but it amplifies from their camp experience. I was concerned that our youngest wouldn’t fit into this troop, but he has come back a full member which is really wonderful for us as parents to see. It is clear that you love camp and make the experience a dream for boys – enough structure to make sure the day runs smoothly, but not the sort of structure they have at home (and I struggle to offer them as a parent who likes things to stay neat and clean). It is such a special place and your dedication to it is obvious. I love that, in an all-boys environment, the boys show so much affection for one another – they aren’t scared to hug and cry and really show each other how much they care. Pick up day was full of so much affection between the campers and staff it was truly fantastic to see. It is magical. Thank you so much. The boys will be back next summer (was there any doubt?) and I suspect the countdown has already commenced in their minds.

I think camp is one of the greatest experiences of my life. Having my father go to Kilcoo in the 80's, I know all the graces and camp songs by heart. Now, when my little brother Charlie and I go to camp, my Dad peppers us with questions about Kilcoo and if things are the same as when he was there. I always tell him it is the great guys and girls on staff and the campers at Kilcoo that make it the same great place its always been. My first time at camp for a month flew by! When my parents picked me up the first thing I told them after a hug was, "I'm coming back next year." I think camp is not just an experience, it is an amazing gift that every Kilcoo camper treasures.

One of our favourite things about camp is our amazing director Lub. It's great seeing him always around all day with the campers, giving them greetings, playing baseball and football, and saying goodnight before bed. We also learn many lessons from him such as the value of a firm handshake to greet a visitor. We like how Lub tells amazing campfire stories, and we think it makes the campfire so much better. While he makes the campers happy he still runs the camp smoothly. Lub makes Kilcoo so much better!

The Olympics is about growing as a person with the Kilcoo community. Being forced to compete against your friends, turning them into opponents for the event or even the day. This may seem like a strange approach but when everyone shows Kilcoo values of integrity and sportsmanship and all is said and done, you come out with stronger bonds than ever. The Olympics gives you motivation to push your limits physically and teaches you that half the battle is mental. Your teammates cheering you on helps you fight that mental battle and push harder. With this encouragement in this environment, you become stronger learning what you are truly capable of. The Olympics would just not be the same if they weren't at Kilcoo.

I arrived at camp tired and uncomfortable, away from my home, in a different country. It was hot and the sun beat down on my exhausted body. Although that wasn't the best first impression, during my time at Kilcoo I have come to appreciate these little things. I went to my cabin and began to unpack my belongings. As I did this, I pondered my firsts on this trip; first time in Canada, first time flying alone, first time without my parents, first time at Kilcoo. At that moment, I knew very little of what to expect. I knew not of the friendships I would make or of the inspiring leaders and role models I would meet. From archery to windsurfing, there were so many activities to take part in. Kilcoo has inspired me in so may ways. One of my favourite things about camp is chapel. Listening to staff members share stories about overcoming obstacles and appreciating things that life experience has given them. I appreciate my summer at Kilcoo and the opportunities it has given me., I am grateful to my parents for sending me to this incredible place. I am grateful for Lub, the staff and all of the LITs for helping make this experience possible. My stay was filled with firsts, gritty and fun, and that is what I am most grateful for.

Every year I come back to camp not only for the fun that I have, but for the amazing friendships that I build and the long lasting memories that I create. Camp is one of the best places on earth and I am happier because of it.