Camp Dreamcatcher - Poetry

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 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.