For the last ten years, one or both of my kids have been part of the Sunshine Group’s Summer Camp in Medway as volunteers and counselors. This Year Dan was there the whole season, Anna came back today for the annual end of year Carnival Celebration – which I have photographed for many of those ten years and always enjoy seeing how much Dan still loves the waterslide ride.  I am a big fan fo the camp for so many reasons. Over the years, I have gotten to know the kids and families, looking forward to seeing them at the carnival.  The camp itself has an incredible history in this town as being an essential part of the community. My kids have grown up with the camp, and each year, I hear from parents telling me stories of how they have made a difference or connection with campers. And last, I am a fan of the woman who runs it, Barbara Ohanian, not only the leader of the camp but also an aunt to my wife and kids. This year she transitioned her role to the hands of Jess, who will keep the camp running going forward, as Barbara retires from the Sunshine Group.  My kids are better people for being a part of it. Also, hundreds of more local kids are better off for all she has done throughout the years.  Congratulations Barbara on a well-deserved retirement., thank you for letting my family be part of it year after year.

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OK, allow me to stray from my normal posts… and get sentimental for a moment, I am sorry, I will find humor, bug or a toy tomorrow. I am not a “my kid is smarter than your pet rat” bumper sticker type of guy.  I believe all parents are proud of their kids, or at least they should be, so bragging seems a bit much. Well these are mine, and I too am proud of them. They are at the age where I can send them out into the world, with the knowledge I have given them and hope they use it for good not evil. Today, I saw them in action… and I am happy to report they use it for good. They both have volunteered all summer at a camp for kids here in Medway, Camp Sunshine, organized by the Barbara, incredible woman in the middle, who just happens to be their Aunt. To see them interact with the kids and counselors was overwhelming. They are respected by the campers, their peers and most of all the directors. They (and all the other volunteer and counselors) made a difference for those kids this summer, and every camper I saw was glowing with joy as we partied today.

This was Dan’s first year and Anna’s third. This was my second year running a photo-booth at their closing carnival. It was a blast, all the kids had a great time, getting photos, ice cream, popcorn and just celebrating the end of summer. Not once did my kids complain about getting up on their vacation days, waiting for a bus as if it were school and going to camp. Working in rain and heat, it did not matter, and the stories they had to share the second I walked in the door each day after work – at times might have been too much to take and hard to keep up with as they spoke at 200 mph and a language only they knew – but they are memories they now share. I don’t say it enough, but these kids are great and they inspire me to be better…  I still will not get a sticker for the truck.

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