Inspiring thoughts on Camp Solari
“This was my second Camp Solari and exceeded the first one by miles. As a counselor at the camp, I thought I would kind of let everyone know how exciting it is to be a part of it and what it is like to work at Camp Solari from the inside.Camp begins on Friday night with registration and dinner. Almost everyone is a total stranger and the conversation is on the surface. Even the first group activity, immediately after supper is full of unease with not knowing anyone there.
After breakfast the next morning, we broke up into small groups, groups that would be the source of support for the next 28 hours or so. My group was the parents who had lost children. The children are divided into small groups: Littles: ages 7-9, Middles ages 10-12, and, Teens ages 13-18.
Within the groups (depending on age and circumstance), each person is asked to relate the story of their loved one's death, their emotions at the present, their hopes and dreams and how they think they are going to reach those. There are activities within the groups - writing letters to those who have passed, letters to themselves to be read in the future, the sunglasses game (how the world looks different to them and how the world sees them differently since the death), and many, many others. The kids participate in activities, games, etc. to help them face the grief that they are going through.
By lunch everyone is opening up and by the last activity Saturday night, a candlelight memorial service, naming each deceased loved one, it is as though we had been friends for years - and remember, only 28 hours have passed since registration.
The final day is a little bit lighter, anticipating returning to our lives below. Not believing all that we have gone through together, we have become bonded as friends. WHAT AN EXPERIENCE!!
The facility is incredible - 7800 feet high in the middle of the Spring Mountains, each family with their own log cabin, complete with a jacuzzi, fireplace, and a back porch overlooking the canyon with breathtaking splendor.
Many thanks to all of those who made this possible, especially to Gary [Polsky] for having this vision for the children of the community we serve. We are truly blessed to have the opportunity to help them in this way.”