Do you remember the first day of summer camp?
SOC was contacted by the court-appointed Special Advocate and mentor for a teenager currently under the residential care of County Human Services. This resilient youth, L., was abandoned by their mother at age 14 and, as a transgender teen living in rural Colorado, has faced profound challenges, including difficulties finding acceptance and belonging
Despite experiencing significant emotional trauma, they have shown remarkable talent in visual arts and creative writing. However they remained deeply hesitant to connect with peers, an understandable response to years of isolation and hardship.
L.’s Special Advocate reached out to request help covering three days of round-trip transportation so L. could participate in a summer camp. The camp, run by a couple who have fostered more than fifty children over the years, offers a safe and affirming space where kids can simply be themselves. For L., the opportunity to experience rafting, swimming, hiking, fishing, and playful social connection was entirely new. They approached the experience with excitement and determination, eager to challenge themself, open up, and begin forming meaningful bonds with others.
L. confided to their advocate that, until very recently, they could only envision a future for themself living on the streets.
Now, for the first time, L. sees the possibility of a life worth building.
photo credit: L., teen, assisted by SOC
SOC received this card of appreciation from the teen:
“I took a lot away from summer camp, but mostly I feel like I learned how to interact with people which I’m not very good at, but I pushed through anyhow. I made friends with people I never thought I’d be friends with. I would like to thank everyone involved that made this possible for me.”