Camp Dreamcatcher
by Callie Fraser
Papers stacked up, e-mail inbox filling, phones ringing
Stress levels rising, always planning, things flinging
At her desk, Camp Dreamcatcher director, Patty Hillkirk sits
20 years since she founded this camp, she never quits
Organizing Camp Dreamcatcher is not an easy job
But all that matters to Camp Dreamcatcher volunteers are the campers who make their hearts throb
When the buses head down that bumpy gravel path
And the volunteers can see those campers smile and laugh
All the papers, e-mails, and stress fades to the back
And soon they are leading campers to their cabins, helping them unpack
The magic of Camp Dreamcatcher soon comes alive
As more and more children continue to arrive
A place of such warmth and love is such a rarity
Despite moments of chaos, camp also brings people clarity
Each child attending, affected by HIV or AIDS
No other differences matter: hometown or skin shades
At camp, every child is welcome and cherished
And together, they remember their loved ones who have perished
All those involved remember what is truly important in life
And forget about the things that bring them strife
Children and volunteers united together
They find something to do whatever the weather
Swimming, Fishing, Canoeing, and making meaningful art
And when needed, expressing what’s weighing on their hearts
Campers learn messages they never forget
They gain confidence, feel supported, and that’s not all yet
What makes someone different is what makes them special is the most important lesson they learn
They believe it more and more as each year they return
They feel wanted, accepted, safe, home, and at peace
Their love for each other and themselves is always sure to increase.
On Monday, John Flynn fills the night air with music so pure
Campers are still humming his songs as they close their cabin door
When Wednesday night comes, campers all head to the dance
Everyone watching for this year’s latest romance
Thursday is my favorite night of them all
The wish log ceremony is something to attend if you haven’t saw
Each camper and volunteer make their wish as they throw their log
Into the fire, as it is carried up with the smog
Participants hug and cry as they share their heart’s deepest desire
For the young children, a toy, a snack, or a maybe a new pet
But for others, a change in the world, health for another, or to take back a regret
Each person walks away from the ceremony changed, touched, and moved
Everyone’s love, support, and belief in one another has again been quite proved
By Friday its time for the talent show acts
Funny hosts, great dancing, beautiful voices, clearly skill is something nobody lacks
As the last night of camp comes to a close, and all the awards are presented
Senior campers reveal to Patty the project they have invented
One of the most special projects was made in 2006
It took patience, thought, cloth, and bendable sticks
They wrote their hopes and dreams on colorful pieces of cloth
And tied them together, swath after swath.
The web began to look like quite a dream catcher
One of bright color, deep meaning and large stature
Now that web sits against a camp office wall
So that all can see its beauty as they walk past the window in the hall
As they walk past, volunteers can remember
That the work that they do through the fall and December
Will all fade to the back when camp week comes this summer
The paperwork, e-mails, and phone calls won’t feel like a bummer
The money raised will all make an enormous impact
Children’s lives are changed by their week at camp, that’s fact.
Camp Dreamcatcher is what being a successful social worker is all about
Come visit camp if you have any doubt
The work doesn’t matter, the campers' hopes and dreams do
If you visit Camp Dreamcatcher, you’ll feel the love and magic, too.
Callie Fraser
Callie Fraser
Callie Fraser is a junior social work major and psychology minor at West Chester University. She enjoys being outside, going to the beach, animals, being with friends, arts and crafts, and volunteer work. She hopes to have the opportunity to travel in the future.