I wanted to write and express how much Camp SMILE means to Brennan and our family. This year, I especially think that Brennan had a really great time. He is now at an age where he seems to be trying to be more independent. Camp SMILE enables him to do that while he is there. Although, he does have someone with him at all times, he's not with family, and he has a great time.

Our son, Austin, has attended Camp SMILE for the past two summers. He absolutely loves it! Due to the fact that Austin has Down Syndrome and Dwarfism, the camps that his friends can attend cannot accommodate him. Some of my most memorable childhood recollections are from camps that I attended. My Husband and I are so happy that our son will have wonderful memories from camp.

Each year that Austin has attended camp, he has had great counselors ("buddies" as he calls them). Everyone goes out of their way to make this a fun event for the children. This year at camp, Austin introduced himself as "Rock Star". Everyone went out of their way to make him feel like a real rock star. He even danced at the Saturday night closing program. Needless to say, he was not ready to come home and asked if we could come back later to take him home.

Thank you so much for providing a wonderful camp. Camp SMILE is certainly named appropriately because every child leaves with a big smile on their face.

Henry is still talking about Camp SMILE. He had the time of his life! It was such a wonderful experience for him to be away from home an try so many new things. I had heard wonderful things about Camp SMILE over the years from parents and volunteers, but had no idea just how special of a place it is until Henry experienced it. You all could not run a finer camp.

One of our greatest concerns for Henry is how his learning challenges will effect his self esteem. Camp SMILE made him so happy and gave him so much confidence.We are so grateful for Camp SMILE and for the amazing experience it provides for people with special needs. It is a place where our special children feel extra special and have the opportunity to try things they might never try in their regular settings. Our children are capable of so much and you and your staff of volunteers make sure that every child has a wonderful camp experience. You all are incredible! Thank you so much for all that you did for Henry and for all the campers that go to Camp SMILE. I wish that all people with special needs could experience a camp like this. It is truly a blessing to parents, campers, and everyone that experiences it. We look forward to many, many years of involvement with Camp SMILE. We can't wait for next year.

I fell in love with Annie Willis, my first ever camper at Camp SMILE, the day she tried to pour a plate of bacon and a glass of milk on top of my head. Something about that moment has always stood out in my mind, despite the four years of campers that I've had since Annie. Her fiesty nature showed me that you didn't need to speak to get your point across and that you can sing to High School Musical without saying a word. From my first camper, to all the campers I hope to have in the future, each person that I meet at Camp SMILE is beautiful in a way that is literally indescribable. Camp is my happy place: the summer home I can't wait to return to, the only reason I have for remaining in Mobile each year, and the place where I feel as though I have discovered my purpose. Because of Annie, I'm currently studying to be an ABA Autistic Therapist. While college, at times, takes its toll on me to the point where I feel like I'm going to break, it makes me smile to remember why I'm here. For camp and Annie's everywhere, I will continue to study hard and stay strong through it all. Camp SMILE is much more than a summer camp, it is a lifestyle; a magical experience that has changed me forever and one that I will always keep coming home for.