What Do Kids and Parents Say about Camp Weloki?

Dear Mike & Camp Weloki Staff;
Thank you for a third great year at camp. Katherine says it is her favorite place in the world. That says it all!

Dear Tim, Mike & the Weloki Staff-

Georgia had a WONDERFUL time over the weekend with you. She said she felt comfortable and relaxed which she never is. She says she has found peace. She was amazed at the stories she heard and that she felt she was being heard for the first time ever. She felt safe to discuss anything without being judged or punished. And for the first time ever she recognized her role in this play and how her decisions have an effect on others.

She no longer focuses on the idea that her anger is caused by her parents and it's all our fault. She no longer has ANGER !!!! She feels remorse and empathy which we have never seen, ever. She now wants to be more of a role model for her younger siblings.  It's as though she took the blinders off and can now see clearly. 

Thank you and kudos to all of you for the miracle you created with my daughter… Cindy

Dear Tim, Anne & Mike,
I can't thank you enough for the awesome camp you all have made. I truly believe that Kierstyn has developed into the beautiful young woman that she is because of camp. I feel very blessed to have a daughter that I can communicate with in a way most parents wish for. I know in my heart that the tools Kierstyn has learned at camp have helped her through many a tough situation. Camp this summer has helped her push through to the next level of learning and growth. Thank you will never be enough. When raising a child we need a village and I cannot think of a better village that "Village Weloki".
   - Love & Blessings, Kelly

Camp Weloki Staff
We are very satisfied with Brittany's camp experience. Our hope was that she would have fun and be able to interact with her peers in a safe and accepting environment. We were pleased with the positive attitudes of all of the staff that led to a positive atmosphere overall. We are so thankful that there are people like you that care so much about young people and their families. This world can be a harsh place and you all are a bright spot.

The Staff at Camp Weloki
We were very happy with our children's experience at Weloki. It was their first extended overnight away from home and from what they enthusiastically told us they had many great experiences. The parents program was helpful for us to understand what they had done at camp and helped us with key phrases to use when the kids get angry at each other. We say "arrows in or arrows out?" and they get it right away. We want to send them all again next year.

Dear Mike
Lauren has been coming to camp for several years and I just wanted to say a personal thank you to you and your staff. Through your staffs direction Lauren has become a stronger more confident young girl. It is funny how I have learned from her the skills in dealing with conflicts. Lauren will step in during an argument with myself and an older sibling and redirect, calm and refocus us all. Amazing! Each time I pick my daughter up from Camp Weloki, I cry a little more because I see her becoming a stronger, more confident person. Thank you for sharing your time with my daughter.
   - Caroline

I really feel that the course room time at camp was very beneficial for Ashley. She loved it and I think she really expressed herself and went deep within herself. Which is exactly what we had hoped for. I will recommend this camp to our friends because it is the only socially safe overnight camp that we have encountered. Plus the skills kids learn help tremendously throughout their lives. Thanks for running a great camp!

Mike
We continue to hear more about Ted's experience at Camp Weloki everyday. He clearly had a wonderful time! He has really internalized the concepts of peaceful conflict resolution and his ability to listen has improved as well. The greatest thing about camp for Ted was being in a place where he felt liked and accepted. I wish you had a school!

Dear WeLoKi Team
We are very pleased with how well you worked with our son regarding his "homesick issues". He said he was never made to feel bad or embarrassed about it. Your staff was awesome and he was comfortable to open up to you and your staff. We thank you for working with him and helping him realize he could overcome this hurdle. He is so proud of himself. We are pleased that you and your staff took the time to listen, comfort, encourage and assist our son in any and all ways that he needed. Thank you!

Hello
We were amazed at how John connected with the camp experience, other campers and the counselors. John integrated much of what he learned at camp in only a week. We have seen positive changes in how he is handling feelings, dealing with anger and acting out negatively and making attempts at conflict resolution. We will absolutely recommend this camp to our friends. So many children and families could benefit from what you do with the kids. It is so much more than "just a camp".

Mike;
I can't tell you how grateful I am to have such a loving and emotionally safe place for them to go and express themselves. I know these skills will continue to develop over their lifetime- making me forever grateful to Camp Weloki and all the wonderful loving people that make it a phenomenal place.


Other Comments from Campers & Parents
I feel more confident about starting middle school next fall because I learned how to stand up for myself and feel better about who I am at camp."
   - Kelly, age 12

"Camp helped me believe in myself and do things I never thought I could!"
   - Tori, age 13

"When I get frustrated or overwhelmed I step back, take a deep breath and relax. Camp helped me learn to do that."
Mariah, age 14

"My daughters 8 and 13 years of age learned to settle arguments without me having to be the referee!"
   - Mrs. B., parent

"I've noticed several changes in my son. I have seen him smile again for the first time in a long time. I saw him believe in himself again. He can't wait to go back next year."
   - Karen (mom of 15 year old)

"I learned to talk things over instead of fighting, and to think with my heart instead of my head."
   - Jason, age 14

"I learned to deal with peer pressure and people when they tease me and how to make friends, and to see the world differently."
   - Scott, age 12

"I made the closest friends in just one week. It seemed like we knew each other for years. I learned I can make my life whatever I want it to be if I take responsibility for myself."
   - Whitney, age 16

"I learned that people like me better when I take off all my masks and just be me."
   - Joe, age 14