Visiting India, China, Japan, Norway, Africa, and Mexico for the Labor Day holiday sounds exciting -- yet impossible to do in just three days. This past Labor Day weekend, 17 families from across Colorado and neighboring states did just that -- at least culturally -- when they attended the 14th annual Camp Ray-Ray. Held at St. Malo Retreat Center in Allenspark the families enjoyed a weekend of fun and unforgettable memories enjoying outdoor activities and traveling the world through cultural stations doing crafts. Families raced to cultural stations completing craft projects such as paper dragons, clogs, necklaces, and maracas. Stamped passports were their tickets to fun.
More than 100 people, most of them infected or affected by AIDS, gathered at Camp Ray-Ray to leave behind their stressful daily routines and look to the future with hope. "Our mission is to strengthen family bonds," said camp coordinator and co-founder Kristen Klaassen. "We laugh, we cry, we talk, we pray, and we eat together."
Activities included horseback riding, canoeing, hiking, putt-putt golf, and swimming. Entertainer Jimmie Viles performed a comedy routine. Camp Ray-Ray has become an inexpensive vacation destination for many families facing HIV/AIDS, Stacy Severin Camp Director said. Children and their parents spend quality time together enjoying the mountain environment and socializing with other families sharing the same hardships.
"Nine-year-old Khyler's outdoor adventure included two hours of fishing to catch a little fish he nicknamed Seaweed, because that is what he originally thought he caught," said Angels Unaware founder Kathy Nuanes. "After freeing Seaweed, he canoed, climbed rocks, and fed a chipmunk."Mullen High School students Lexa Taylor, Lucy McNamara, Kelsi Anderson, and Abby Morgenweck spent their Labor Day weekend volunteering at the 14th annual Camp Ray-Ray. Lexa stated, "This was a cool experience." "It makes you think about your own life; someone with AIDS has a better outlook in life than I do," reflected Lucy. Kelsi learned, "You are blessed no matter what is going on in your life," and Abby appreciates more what she has. The four students helped out in various areas of camp, including arts and crafts room, lounge area, and with numerous fun-filled activities.
Camp Ray-Ray was founded in 1995 to commemorate the life of Raymond Pena who died from AIDS at the age of 4. Barb Johnson was Pena's foster mother. "She has taken Raymond to St. Malo several times to show him the beauty of the mountains and open his eyes to faith and God," Klaassen said. "Raymond thought angels lived there and he could talk to God easier there. His eyes opened to the faith and he welcomed Christianity at the age of 4." Shortly after Raymond's death, Johnson asked Klaassen to help her start a camp where other children would experience the outdoor wonders Raymond had. "I thought Barbara had lost her marbles," Klaassen recalled.
But she did help. Today, Klaassen is one of four camp coordinators and co-president of Angels Unaware, a non-profit organization providing support to groups working with children affected by HIV/AIDS, such as Camp Ray-Ray. Klaassen said that despite the heavy burdens they bear, the families have much to give. "They teach us so much, " she said. "People facing life-threatening illnesses have a unique outlook on life and this outlook gives us hope."
Father Bob Fisher, pastor of All Souls Church in Englewood, led the annual remembrance ceremony with Barb Johnson. "Each of us is a connection with God's love," he told the interdenominational assembly.Families expressed deep gratitude, Klaassen said, for the welcoming and kindly atmosphere found at S. Malo. "They see a place of total acceptance," she said.
Camp Ray-Ray is a free family program. Local supporters include:Children Affected with AIDS Foundation
Arvada Aspen Mortuaries
Jefferson Arvada Kiwanis
Mary J.B. Work Fund
Mile High United Way
Insure Me
Fred and Herb Paige
Tina Stuckey
Mike & Katy Strascina
Bill and Dr. Colleen Foos and Family
Rod Zeman
Dr. Tiffany Hild
Lillian Macca
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Copyright Angels Unaware 2007
11/06/2008
