25 Stories: Shiann Chambers

Participant and counselor (2012-present) 

Shiann
My mom’s doctor at the county hospital told her about multiple camps and organizations that served families impacted by HIV/AIDS. After a while we moved into Chicago House and Social Services Agency which helped us get the connection to One Heartland. A year after being told my mom was HIV+, I finally came to camp.

“Camp showed me that I have a family that will be there for me through the hard times and the good.”

On the second to last day of my first year as an AP (Adventure Program) my cabin and I snuck out and went to sleep in Funkytown. We had Dilly Bars and played music and enjoyed each other’s company. Anyone who knows camp knows that sneak-outs are the best time ever. Just having my cabin mates and the best counselors ever made the week the best.

Camp changed my life in so many ways. I realized that there were many families and kids in the same position as I was in. Camp showed me that I have a family that will be there for me through the hard times and the good. Camp is definitely where I started belonging; on the camp site and at home.

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