Parents' Perspective

  As a parent of a child with special medical needs, I never thought that there would be a place for us to go as a family, and take part in every activity together. While at CCK, we went bowling, swimming, boating, and the list goes on. Our daughter, although in a wheelchair, got to experience it all. We were able to sit back, relax, and watch our kid have fun. We met other families there, dealing with the same struggles and heartaches.  It was nice and comforting to know that there were other parents dealing with our same issues. Camp brought a sense of normalcy to our lives. As we were leaving camp, my husband and I looked at each other, and for the first time we knew that we would have something to look forward to each year. The great thing is, this experience came at no expense to our family. With our stack of medical bills, this was a blessing. Thank you, CCK.

My son was diagnosed with Autism in March of 2011. Our pediatrician first told us about CCK, and then we also heard about it from a lady in our support group, Hart of Autism, who had been there with her son. We went to the Autism family weekend retreat in December 2011. My family had a complete blast and got to experience things I never thought we would. My son came out of his shell so much. We were blessed with an excellent counselor who revolved all his time around my son. The biggest moment we had, was on the morning of day two. As we were getting ready to leave the room, my son looked at me and said, “Come here Mama.” I went over to him and he wrapped his arms around me and said, “I love you!” That was the first time he had ever told me he loved me without me saying it first. He did the same thing to my Mom. We both began crying. CCK gave my son the chance to just be himself. He was free to make his own decisions. He didn’t have to worry about anyone judging him--he was totally free! I’m so thankful we got to go to CCK, and look forward to going back again!

 The Center for Courageous Kids gives every child and family their all. My deepest appreciation goes out to the CCK employees and volunteers. I think I had just as much fun as the campers did! We can't wait to come back.

Thank you for all you do for the campers. You have amazing counselors with BIG HEARTS, and I love each and every one of them.

CCK is heaven on earth! The counselors make each child feel like superstars!

Words cannot express the gratitude we feel for the staff at CCK. You have made life a little brighter for the children you have touched. They will forever remember their time with you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

After leaving camp, my daughter will go home and put her lanyard and matching bandanna on. She likes to pretend that she is one of the counselors. CCK has changed her life.

I feel when they are at camp that they are in the hands of angels.

For a few magical days, CCK took the work out of parenting. It was so nice to be able to say "yes" to my kids. Thank you for the gift of time to be present and engaged. You thought of everything.

I wanted to take this time to thank you for making my son's stay wonderful at camp. He was so excited when he came home and so "empowered." When he came to camp he had very little confidence in himself in so many areas. You all made him feel like he could do anything he wanted to do.

I am thankful for The Center for Courageous Kids--a place that gives a child re-focus, hope, and the energy to be creative.

Thank you again for everything you have given to the families. We all walk away stronger and happier because of CCK. It's truly a very magical and inspirational place.