A Massanetta Story: No Other Way
Anita outside the NDC gathering spot at Camp Massanetta.
Anita lives in Harrisonburg, VA and her son G, has attended Netta Day Camp for the past three summers. G loves electric fans and knows so much about them! “We started coming to Netta Day Camp (NDC) because it was recommended by a coworker I deeply trust,” shared Anita. “They know G and thought it would be a good fit for him”.
This past year was challenging for G as he entered middle school and encountered bullies who targeted him and his friends for some of their different interests and some of the group’s LGBTQ identities. “G is comfortable walking his own beat but it’s hard to be bullied and to not always have a safe space. We were looking for somewhere that would be safe and where goals and mission statements aren’t just a written statement, it’s lived out”.
NDC has continued to reinforce the lessons of God’s grace and love that G hears at home. The daily bible studies show G all the ways that God’s love is bigger than we could imagine. “It helps him to love himself and shows what a healthy version of loving others. Plus it’s not just hearing it from mom and dad, but from people who he respects and admires. It’s been an affirmation that God is crazy in love with people exactly as they are. He’s seen that played out in the little, small things of everyday life here. In how people and campers are met where they are. There’s a safety net of grace where you can just be a kid!” Anita sees Netta Day Camp as an investment in his heart as he navigates middle school and life as a whole. “There’s no other way I’d want him to spend his time this summer.”
Anita has seen a big change in G. “His confidence has bloomed this summer. He’s using positive language about himself and he’s not apologizing for the things he loves and cares about. This isn’t just about a camp experience, it’s a healthy launching pad for the rest of his life. Mr. Rodgers talks about the faces that come to mind who saw you with acceptance and love. This camp means so much to me because I believe for many campers that would be the face of their counselors”.
Anita is able to see her son be accepted, love himself, and know God more fully because of gifts and support from people like you. Thank you for partnering with us to make programs like Netta Day Camp possible at Massanetta Springs.