Camp TBI 2020: A new Virtual Camp Experience
Feedback from Brittany Cannon, Sports, Health, Leisure Coordinator

Camp TBI 2020 is officially in the books.  Who would ever have dreamed that we would be in the middle of a worldwide pandemic in the summer of 2020 that would keep us all from being together?

When Camp Twin Lakes (CTL) proposed to us in May that we do a virtual camp, we were not sure it would work for our campers.  And for some it did not.  But for those who did participate that week (even though at times it was challenging), I think it was worth it just to see each other and catch up.

Before we realized Camp was going to be virtual we had close to 45 campers register online. Once it was discovered, we had 23 register for the virtual camp. Nineteen (19) Campers logged on at least once during the week. Seventeen (17) campers were active daily. In my opinion, it was a great turn out. YES, it was very different and definitely not the same as what we are all used to. However, this made my heart a little less heavy just to see everyone and chat each day. I feel confident that they felt the same.

CTL put a lot of work into the format and activities and I think B Money (Brian Murkison) said it best “it gave him something to do this week”.  I thank them so much for their time and effort on behalf of Camp TBI.  But was it camp?  “Yes and no”.  Were we together, hugging, dancing, belly laughing, smiling from ear to ear and with our friends?  NO.  But when we were together for an hour of Snack Chat, at Spirit time in the morning or at Live nighttime activities, WE WERE FAMILY.  Camp TBI Family.  And as always, there was love (lots of love), respect for each other, laughing with each other and incredible memories that each of us shared.  And in those moments, IT WAS CAMP TBI!

“There’s a quote that says   –   Absence makes the heart grow fonder.  And I think that definitely will describe camp in 2021.  We miss each other so much but it will only make the bond stronger when we all get to be together again” – Cassie J., one of our Virtual 2020 Campers