Summer Camp at Camp Southern Ground

STORIES OF IMPACT

The Barrett Family

The Barretts are an active-duty Army family who first learned about Camp Southern Ground through our partnership with Camp Corral. Mom Gretta says that as soon her two boys started researching Camp Southern Ground, they were hooked! We asked Gretta about their journey and the impact Camp Southern Ground has had on their lives.

Was there a moment during camp that really stood out to you? A moment when you thought, “This is why we came”?
The first year our boys attended, my youngest Walker wrote a song for his group. And it was about making the world a better place. And he got up and sang in front of campers. To this day we can’t get him to get on a stage, but at camp EVERY year he will get up there and do something whether sing or preform a skit. He is so comforted and encouraged with the staff and campers he just doesn’t think about “what if I mess up.” I knew CSG was going to be a place of peace and joy for summers to come.

What changes or impact did you see in your child or family during or after your time at Camp?
My oldest Waylen has attended camp three summers now. This past summer he hit the high ropes course. Something he has been afraid to do. Recently, we visited the longest zip lining courses in the country, and he didn’t even blink an eye moving through the course. He had the biggest smile and joyful laughter. CSG helped him overcome that fear.

What does Camp Southern Ground mean to your family today?
CSG means family to us. Our sons look forward to seeing who will be returning year after year, what activities will they be adding in each year, meeting new friends and exchanging contact information. They talk about camp for months after their return.

What would you tell another parent or family who is considering Camp Southern Ground?
Do it! The joy in their hearts and comfort you get knowing your child is having the experience of their life is worth it all!

Is there anything else about your experience that you’d like to share?
Each year my sons come home and have learned something new. Not only have they learned new things, but they come home and they use that knowledge. Like homemade pickles, which they love making after learning how at camp.

Camp Southern Ground note: One of our Camp Director’s favorite stories to tell, because it captures exactly what we hope campers carry with them long after summer, is about Waylen on our bicycle pump track.

Another camper was having a tough time and, as Waylen pulled up to next to him, Waylen didn’t just keep going. He stopped, cheered him on, and then pulled in friends to do the same. Before long, they were all encouraging every attempt and bit of progress. It was together that they helped that camper make it across the finish line.

It’s a simple moment, but it says a lot: confidence grows faster when it’s shared, and belonging is something our campers create for others. Thank you, Barretts, for being part of our family and sharing your story!