For many campers, Cho-Yeh has become a second home that they are excited to return to each year. This is just the case for Ali.
Ali has been going to various summer camps since she was six years old, but everything changed in 2019. That year, some friends invited Ali to check out Cho-Yeh. Once she arrived, Ali discovered a place that was unlike any she had experienced before.
“Cho-Yeh is just really, really special in every way. It’s one of my favorite places I’ve ever been.”
Ali spent time at Cho-Yeh in 2019 and 2020 where she formed lasting friendships, was mentored by her counselors, and made memories that will last a lifetime. This year, Ali was beyond excited to return to Cho-Yeh for her third summer. She could hardly contain her excitement about spending two weeks learning, laughing, and having fun with her friends.
“Camp is just really fun. I love the people here. This place is really special, and I’m so happy to be back.”
One of Ali’s favorite parts of Camp is spending time with her friends, enjoying the special community that she has only found there. At Cho-Yeh, Ali is surrounded by people who accept her for who she is, cheer her on, and challenge her to grow in her character and faith. Ali has created many meaningful relationships with her fellow campers and her counselors during her time at Cho-Yeh — and they last far beyond the summer. Ali’s cabinmates this year were quick to start planning how they will stay connected after Camp.
“When we go home, we’re going to make a group chat with our cabinmates and counselors. Hopefully we’ll try to meet up. We want to stay in touch.”
Ali also still connects with her counselors from years past and considers them strong mentors. Ali’s counselors have gotten to know her well through her weeks at Camp and continue to teach, encourage, and listen to her. She is even looking forward to joining Cho-Yeh’s Summer Staff in a few years, so that she can continue to lead and inspire other campers.
“I really want to be a counselor someday. I always have. I’ve had some really great counselors here and want to be one myself when I graduate.”
Most campers only spend a week or two at Cho-Yeh during the summer, but the impact reaches far longer than that. The friendships and adventures that start at Camp are just the beginning for campers like Ali — and the community at Camp will always be a special place to return to.
