Before he became Associate Executive Director at the Mel Korum YMCA in Puyallup, James Van Eddy spent three years working at Camp Seymour. Known by campers as “Bear Claw,” he spent his summers leading camp adventures and his school-year seasons teaching Outdoor Environmental Education alongside the Gjertsons.
One afternoon, James was leading a cooperative challenge with a group of about twenty fifth graders. The goal was simple, in theory: get everyone balanced on a platform that tipped side to side without letting it touch the ground. Like the hundreds of groups James had led through this activity, the kids started strong before frustration set in. As the students struggled with the task, voices rose. Some wanted to give up.
Then something shifted.
One camper, a quiet boy named Evan*, began to take the lead. He spoke to his classmates with calm confidence and guided the group towards a solution. When everyone was successfully on the platform, a cheer erupted. James looked to the classroom teacher and was surprised to see she had tears in her eyes. At first, he thought she was simply moved by the show of teamwork and celebration, but she later pulled him aside to explain.
Two weeks previously, Evan had been removed from his home by Child Protective Services because of severe abuse. Since arriving at the new school, he had not spoken a single word. His head stayed down on their desk, silent and withdrawn.
That moment on the platform was the first time the teacher had heard Evan’s voice.
At Camp Seymour, away from the weight of trauma and surrounded and supported by peers, Evan found enough safety to lead, laugh, and simply be a kid again.
Weeks later, James received a bundle of hand-drawn thank you cards from the school, as many camp staff do after their students return home. He searched for one from Evan, but didn’t find it. James never learned where life took Evan after that week, but he does know that for those three days Evan felt safe, connected, and free to just be a kid.
Stories like Evan’s show what happens when camp is available to everyone. It becomes a place where barriers fade, confidence blooms, and hope takes root. Every child deserves that experience, and keeping Camp Seymour accessible ensures moments like this continue for generations to come.
*Name has been changed to protect Evan’s identity.
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