The first time Suzette called me and asked if her camp kids could come to our lake, I was a bit apprehensive to say the least! I had never really been around autistic kids too much and really didn’t know how I would handle them and quite honestly was afraid they might get hurt. They came to fish and swim; but once they saw the jet ski and raft, forget fishing and swimming! They absolutely fell in love with riding the jet ski and being pulled on the tube all over the lake! Their faces lit up and could not wait for their turn! They had so much fun and my fear totally disappeared! They cried when they left. I felt so blessed that we could provide something for them that was close to home and something they probably never get to do!

The next summer they came 2-3 times and now Suzette and I book days way ahead of time so they can come multiple times. They are no longer just Suzette’s kids but they are girls and boys with names and faces that I know now and love being with! I love pulling them on the raft, riding on the jet ski with me and helping them fish. God has blessed Bill and I and I consider it a ministry to help these kids have fun, experience new things and just be kids. Camp Journey has changed my outlook on these kiddos and I hope they keep coming every summer; something tells me they will!! They love it as much as I do!

Peggy Bain
Camp Journey Lake Queen!