First-time experience in the Rockies

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Denver Red Shield sends 130 to High Peak Camp.

Cadet Robert Davidson assists children as they board a bus to camp.

On his first morning of his summer assignment, Cadet Robert Davidson arrived at the Denver Red Shield to assist Captains Ron and Roberta McKinney check-in 130 campers for a week at the Intermountain High Peak Camp in Estes Park, Colo.

Before loading the buses, staff and campers played games in an effort to get to know each other. The campers also wrote thank you letters to the donors who sponsored their experience – all 130 kids were able to attend because of the Red Shield camp appeal.

While on the drive into the Colorado Rockies, Davidson asked a bus full of campers how many had been to the mountains before. The majority had not and many had never been to a camp.

“There’s nothing more exciting than taking kids to camp for their first time,” Davidson said. “You know how much it will impact the rest of their lives.”

McKinney expressed joy at watching the faces of not only the campers, but also Davidson.

“I don’t know who enjoyed the trip more, the children or the cadet,” McKinney said with a laugh.

The Denver Red Shield sends children to High Peak Camp three times during the summer and conducts a 10-week licensed summer day camp that serves an average of 80 kids each day.


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