Hello, my name is Cassandra. I am 14 and go to Toms River High School South. My mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor two years ago. My grandmother came down with a brain tumor last summer. These past two years have been very hard on me and my family. The only fun I really had last summer was going to Camp Jinka. I would have had to go back and forth with my mom to doctors for my grandma if I wasn’t in camp. The first day of camp last year I did not want to go. My mom forced me to go for at least two days to give it a try. I did go that first day. I recall walking through the doors of Camp Jinka it felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders, I was greeted by so many friendly welcoming people and the best part was that I could be a kid and just have fun. I didn’t have to worry about anything there and if I wanted to talk about what was going on at home I was able to and all of the kids there were going through the same thing I was. They all understood me. It was so good to have friends to talk to and to help the younger kids there. Again this summer my grandma is sick. My mom is taking care of her and taking her to the doctors and I am not stuck worrying and waiting all day in the waiting room. I am so grateful to be at Camp Jinka with my friends and to have a great time.
We are so lucky to have Casey at Camp Jinka. She is an inspiration to the younger children. I look forward to hearing her thoughts from Camp Jinka over the next few weeks.
Judy Zocchi
Casey proved to be a valuable addition to our family last year. Many of the kids look up to her as a leader. This year she is a Counselor in Training and we couldn't be happier to have her back!
Casey is helpful in so many ways at Camp Jinka. She is a favorite amongst the young campers and all of the staff know that she will give her best, no matter what she is asked to do. The sun shines brighter on Camp Jinka when Casey is there. I'm looking forward to following her blog. Hope you do too.