On the Way to Overcome

In October, sophomore Emily Bennett, along with several of her sorority sisters from Alpha Omicron Pi, teamed up with Camp Twin Lakes in Athens for a weekend dedicated to children and their families impacted by juvenile arthritis. For more than 20 years, Camp Twin Lakes has provided life-changing camp experiences to thousands of Georgia's children with serious illnesses, disabilities, and other life challenges. Camp Twin Lakes provides week-long summer camps and year-round weekend retreats at three fully-accessible and medically-supportive campsites, daycamps, and through hospital-based Camp-To-Go programs. AOII is committed nationally to juvenile arthritis as its’ primary philanthropic focus.

During a beautiful fall weekend, the ladies of AOII attended camp JA Family, serving the kids and their families. The day was filled with customized programs that teach campers to overcome obstacles and grow in their confidence and capabilities.

Emily reported that they initially engaged in play activities to provide an introduction to the children, followed by a ropes course designed to encourage teens with arthritis. “We spent time on a large rope swing, where as a group the campers had to pull each other up so that the camper on the swing could reach a rope that would release and symbolize how we can help build each other up to overcome their disabilities”, said Emily. “While we participated in this activity, campers shared their previous experiences at the camp and how it served to help them relate to others who struggle with the disease.”

To learn more about Camp Twin Lakes, please go to their website at www.camptwinlakes.org.