Oprah’s Angel Network

Earlier this year, we asked Angel Network community members to share their stories about summer camp. The stories we received are a moving reminder that camp can be much more than just a way to pass time during the long days of summer. For young people who spend the rest of the year defined by a label—different, ill, poor—camp is a time when they can be something else; they can be themselves.

Camps of All Kinds

Campers and counselors from many different types of camps shared their stories with us—from camps that cater to special needs children to those that focus on underprivileged and neglected youth.

A camper at Dragonfly Forest

Photo courtesy of member

• At Dragonfly Forest, a camp in Pennsylvania for special needs children, member “fweiner” explained how kids who are often misunderstood in their everyday lives are free to be themselves at camp.
  • Read his story: Dragonfly Forest: Where Kids Can Be Themselves

• In 1990, member “liliane” flew from the Netherlands to New York to volunteer as a counselor at a Girl Scout camp (Camp Mogisca). While there, she and a camper formed a bond that’s lasted nearly 20 years.
  • Read her story: Lifelong Bond Formed at Camp Mogisca

• In Malibu, Calif., the Children’s Lifesaving Foundation offers a unique camp opportunity: campers get to, among other things, learn how to surf.
  • Read what a mother of three has to say about this camp: Malibu Surf Camp is Dream for Mom and Kids
  • Read what a volunteer has to say about this camp: Volunteer Family Gains Perspective at Malibu Surf Camp

Neglected and abused children are showered with love and support at Camp Horizon.

Photo courtesy of member

• At age 37, member “style5627” was older than most first-time camp counselors. But that didn’t stop her from becoming completely absorbed in Camp Horizon, a camp for abused and neglected children.
  • Read her story: Campers Get Endless Love, Support at Camp Horizon

• In Connecticut, teens from all different backgrounds come together at the camp Heads Up Hartford. An adviser for the camp describes her amazement at how quickly the group of young people connected.
  • Read her story: Teens Connect at Heads Up Hartford

• A counselor at a camp for kids who’ve experienced limb loss shares how the campers come alive when surrounded by other young people like themselves.
  • Read her story: A Camp for Kids Who’ve Experienced Limb Loss

At the Amputee Coalition Summer Camp, young people who've experienced limb loss take part in all types of activities, including swimming.

Photo courtesy of member