Thanks to you, I’ve become unapologetically proud.

Quote in white text on a purple background: ”It was amazing to see that there were other kids whose lives were similar to mine.”

Thanks to you, I’ve become unapologetically proud.

Atlas

 

Age 17
Camper since 2010

My name is Atlas.  I am 17 years old, and for 51 weeks a year I live in Toronto.  But for the other week, my home is at Camp Ten Oaks. 

Seven years ago, my Mom came home and told me I was going to go to Camp Ten Oaks.  As a timid, unsure, 11 year old, I wasn’t sure what to expect.  When I got on the bus that first year, I was nervous, shy and scared.  But all of those insecurities disappeared when I met all the amazing CTO campers and staff.  Now I can’t imagine my life without camp.

Every year we play a game called Across the Grass.  One of the staff makes a statement and if you identify with the statement, you walk to the other side of the grass.  The first time I played this game, it was amazing to see that there were other kids whose lives were similar to mine.  I never thought that was possible.  As an older camper, I still like playing Across the Grass, but now it’s a way I can express my pride in myself and my family.  Camp was the first time I felt like I could talk openly about having two moms and a dad.  By meeting so many wonderful people who are unapologetic about who they are, I have also become unapologetically proud. 

Ten Oaks changes lives and sometimes even saves lives.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen someone become a completely different person in just one short week.  If I hadn’t had the opportunity to go to camp, I probably still wouldn’t have the confidence to talk openly about my family.  Even though I love my moms and dad, I would still have worried about how people would react.  I also wouldn’t have some of the amazing friendships and support that I built at camp.

Camp Ten Oaks 2025 Applications Open!