Camp Jake : : Playing in the Pool

Photo by Howard Chen

Photo by Howard Chen

Photo by Howard Chen

Photo by Howard Chen

Photo by Howard Chen

Photo by Howard Chen

Camp Jake : : We Love the Ocean

Photo by Howard Chen

Photo by Howard Chen

Camp Jake : : Our Young Campers

CAMP JAKE :: Photo of the day :: Moise

Savoring the freedom that water brings

Campers need your support

Fr. Sadoni and a group of Camp Jake campers

People often ask how they can help bring this experience alive for the kids with handicaps in Haiti. The answer is simple: we need your financial support. In order to provide this life-changing camp, we need to transport, house and feed both the campers and our talented counselors, provide water gear, musical instruments, art supplies, sports equipment, snacks, a large medical kit and many other items each time we host camp. Thankfully, our startup costs are getting lower and lower. With each camp, we purchase more of the supplies that will be used year after year and will continue to do so until we have a sufficient supply of camp materials, after which we will only need to be concerned about transport, lodging and food.

We are still accepting donations toward the July session of Camp Jake to offset the cost of the camp. All gifts are tax deductible. If you are interested, please send a check to the address at the top right or click on the PayPal button on the right. Be sure to put "Camp Jake" in the memo line.

Thank you for your continued support!

CAMP JAKE :: The healing sea

The mere sight of the vast, seemingly endless ocean can bring an onslaught of emotions:

• Fear
• Excitement
• Apprehension
• Fascination
• Nervousness
• Bliss

Most everyone can identify with one of these. The Red Thread Promise's Camp Jake campers and counselors are no exception. 

Some speed across the sand, stopping at the rocky berm before the sea to tear off their sandals and wait for the counselors to set the perimeter in the water. It is immediately clear that they can't wait to dive in. When the lifeguard gives a thumbs up, they are the first ones to take the plunge. This group usually consists of the deaf and hearing impaired, a spunky ensemble with a vibrancy and lust for life that is contagious. While not fearless, they are more than willing to explore the ocean, both above and below the water, on the rocks, swimming on someone's back and everything in between.

Casey with a group of blind campers exploring the sounds,
smells and textures of the ocean

Others move at a slower pace, taking in the beauty of the beach and the surging water: the smells, the textures, the breeze on their faces, the anticipation. These are the ones that dip their toes in the water to determine the temperature and decide if they will sit in the surf or go in with a counselor. This is especially true of the blind. With a glance you can see that they are like human sponges, absorbing the unfamiliar surroundings, from the sand beneath their toes, to the smooth rocks, to the salty water and the algae covered rocks. Some are independent, allowing their hands and feet to guide them through the water. Others will only enter holding the hands of a counselor who leads them through the gentle waves.

Casey and DeeDee bringing Diana to the ocean

Christina, a wheelchair-bound camper, and Gregory

Our empathy for those with prosthetics or wheelchairs runs deep as they are the ones most dependent on the counselors for this meaningful experience. Those who are able, propel themselves to the end of the walkway on the beach and then patiently wait for someone to push them to the edge of the rocks. The more mature ones take time to reflect on the ocean before make a commitment whether or not to come in, while the younger ones soak in all of the excitement and movement around them. A counselor invites each into the water, and if accepted, lifts them up and trudges through the rocks to the water's edge. Some sit in the surf, letting the water gently lap against their bodies, soothing their skin. Others want to embrace the water in a whole body experience, allowing a counselor to glide their body through the salty water. This feeling of weightlessness is overwhelming for some, being one of the only times in their life where they can move without the weight of a wheelchair beneath them or arms holding them.


Regardless of ability, going to the ocean is beneficial for everyone, from the most physically active to those with the most challenges. From the fresh air, to a refreshing breeze, camaraderie among friends, moving out of the usual comfort zone, trying something new and trusting the counselors—going to the beach is one of the most beneficial parts of Camp Jake. We invite you to be a part of it today by donating to The Red Thread Promise. 


We are still accepting donations toward the July session of Camp Jake to offset the cost of the camp. All gifts are tax deductible. If you are interested, please send a check to the address at the top right or click on the PayPal button on the right. Be sure to put "Camp Jake" in the memo line.

Shawn floating with Auguste

CAMP JAKE :: The camp groove

Gregory, Marilene, Jonas, Taylor and Genie

There is one activity that bonds every camper and counselor at Camp Jake, regardless of age, gender, nationality or ability; it transcends the language and socio-economic barriers that separate us. 

That, our dear friends, you may have guessed is MUSIC. 

The following was written in the midst of an impromptu jam session on the first day of Camp Jake / July 2012. The majority of campers and counselors had never met before that day. What happened following our first meal together was simply magical.

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We wish you all could hear what we are hearing right now. Forty seven campers arrived today and we have been going non-stop ever since. After sharing our first dinner together as a group of 61, Casey brought out his guitar, Andrew magically produced the percussion instruments, and it has been a non-stop jam session in the middle of the dining hall ever since. 

It is amazing how complete strangers can connect so quickly and intimately through the common language of music. The sounds we are hearing are mesmerizing, pulsing rhythms that engage each of us to our core. We can't help but move to the driving beat of the cajon, a box-style drum of Latin descent, emotionally played by Andrew. Layers of sound are added with Casey's energetic guitar strumming and Caroline's vocals. 

Andy playing the cajon

Casey and Andrew began with a basic chord progression and beat to which the kids started adding their own words and melody, singing chanting and clapping along in the pitch dark. Not only did it sound amazing, but it looked phenomenal with the flashes of lightening from the impending storm streaking across the sky behind them.

The deaf and blind have joined in with percussion, moving to the rhythms defined by the counselors. Triangles, tambourines, shakers and claves add depth to the sound, making it even more infectious. Even the most shy campers have picked up an instrument to become a part of this living, breathing sound. Not a soul is silent! 

Mackenson and Frenel

Other guests at Kaliko have joined in, singing, dancing and clapping, moving to the funky groove the campers and counselors have created. Even the staff has gathered to watch and swallow the sounds. Some of the counselors are dancing too. A new drummer takes Andy's place on the cajon. It is a never-ending song.

This music is ALIVE, defining the connection we feel to one another - that silken red thread of destiny.

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When the song stopped, we retired to the Salle Koray to continue our exploration of music. Caroline led the group in American praise and South African freedom songs, following which campers shared some of their favorite songs with us and we engaged in our first of many cultural exchanges for the week. Everyone took a turn chanting someone else's name; that person would then dance into the middle of the circle before selecting someone new. We couldn't have asked for a better ice breaker!

At the end of the evening, when everyone's vocal chords were spent and hands tired from drumming, we retired to our rooms. With a broad smile on his face, Casey shared that as he led his blind campers to their room, they hummed the tunes all the way. 

What a grand way to start the week.

The whole gang finds their groove