Have you ever had an experience that even though it could be personally very hard, becomes a blessing?
This past weekend my daughter and I had the privilege of supporting Camp Fyrefly at Camp Jubilee in Cochrane Alberta. It is a leadership retreat for LGBTQ and all youth. I had signed up for meal support, because I wanted to give back to a camp that had turned my child’s life around two years ago.
After being present for a few meals, I noticed why this program is making such a difference in the lives of kids. There was no judgment, pure acceptance, love, and true caring for each individual that was present. Over and over again I had kids coming up to me, shy, quiet, beautiful kids thanking me for helping them with the food.
These are kids who struggle in the world, and yet I could see their smiles and comfort level grow as time passed in camp. It made my heart so happy! Repeatedly I heard from kids, my daughter included, that everyone is just so nice, and so warm, so inviting. I write this letter because I feel so thankful that our small town can provide the setting for Camp Fyrefly.
Volunteering this weekend will resonate with me for a very long time, it helps me honour my son, Jesse, who I know in my heart would have been a youth leader at camp this year. It is my wish to share this journey with our citizens, so they know that the growing support our town has shown to LGBTQ youth is important, worth it, and needs to continue.
Dawn Dostaler
