On the eve of Camp Fantastic 2012, the staff are making final preparations. Many are making manic rushes to Target for necessities like toothpaste, zebra-striped duct tape, and caffeinated drinks.   Others are filling up classrooms with supplies like neon nail polish, bottle rocket components, and cheese for mini pizzas. We are sharing stories and campfire traditions, growing together as an extended family for the next seven days.

I am truly humbled by the amazing group of volunteers who have gathered here for a week of service and compassion. Like most families, we are diverse.   There are extroverts and introverts. There are young and not as young. There are medical experts and those who don’t know a rubber glove from a rubber band. There are veterans who have been doing this for almost 30 years and rookies. There are country music fans and rockers. There are former campers now rooming with their former counselors.

Together this diversity becomes a beautiful quilt of people ready to wrap their arms around our campers and provide warmth, security, and shelter. We have over 100 volunteers and medical staff, and we come together each year for one very special purpose.