HIV/AIDS children waltzed under the stars, donning formal attire for a September prom theme. They celebrated life at the 13th Annual Camp Ray-Ray held Labor Day Weekend. Located at St. Malo Retreat Conference Center at the base of Mt. Meeker, Camp Ray-Ray is a memoriam to Raymond Péna who died from AIDS at the age of four. Camp Ray-Ray is a free family program hosted by Angels Unaware, a Colorado AIDS non profit organization. Nineteen AIDS families from across Colorado and neighboring states experienced encouragement, joy, and acceptance over the extended weekend.
Leonesia was two years old when she started attending Camp Ray-Ray with her grandmother, mother, and aunt; that was their first vacation and trip to the mountains even though they live along the Front Range in Denver. Twelve years later, Leonesia is a veteran horse rider, hiker, and fisher girl. She mesmerized campers in a floor length powder (blue?) formal, frosted with a white shawl, as she learned ballroom dancing. A tiara crowned her head of long brown hair, matching her younger sister’s crown of flashing jewels. Leonesia’s smile outshined their finery in prom photos with her sister snapped under the moon and stars. The best part of Camp is, “Hanging with my family and other families like ours at St. Malo,” whispered Leonesia. “At Camp Ray-Ray, I feel close to God and I feel peace.”
Eight year old Kyler was back with his parents for his fourth camp. Wildlife encounters are Kyler’s favorite part of camp. During a hiking excursion, he met up with an Elk. When the Elk gave Kyler some attitude, he fearfully walked away only to have a bird land on his head. The bird did not frighten him like the Elk; his only concern was if the bird was going to leave a deposit behind on his head.
For one precious weekend away from the world outside, children and their families embrace the magic of Camp Ray-Ray; hope, love and friendship. The departing wishes are to return to the magic next year. Angels Unaware is run 100% by volunteers, with 97 cents of each donated dollar going directly to family services.
Dancing the night away!
Running the lanes at the bowling alley.
Learning the moves!
Enjoying the wilderness Old West style!
Fun moments and memories from camp!
Copyright Angels Unaware 2007
10/23/2007
