January 2011- Alex Fagalar – Mr Opportunity Camp 1990

One of the most profound moments of my life happened more than a few times. In a place that I think started in my adolescence. I think the 1st time was at the age of 12. This place is Holy to me because of the love, teachings, learning’s and fun that I received. Which I know was provided in the name of the Lord. It’s a great privilege and opportunity for young mind’s speaking for me that I was able to go this opportunity camp. The second time that I went to camp; I thought that we were treated so nicely and shown so much love due to the counselors being paid. Then I found out talking to one of the counselors from Texas while on a nature hike that they were not being paid to be our counselor. It was all genuine, and that they paid to be there. Thinking about their expense to travel to get there, it just showed how much it all came from the heart because of the LOVE OF GOD. Then, around the third time (I think) I started to realize that some of the kids there, had some serious challenges in their life. I started to realize some of the kids were there due to circumstances that occurred in their life. Because I saw some girls that I knew from my neighborhood, I knew they had been sexually abused, my niece and nephew who went because my sister who was their mother got murdered. When my sister was murdered, it was around the time I first started going to camp I had no idea that the tragedy was in any way related for me being there. I didn't realize that I was in an emotional state of mind, like many of the other children that were there. I see that it was due to the love and support that the camp gave me; I didn't have to focus on the negative issues in my life. After, being at camp for the 3rd time, I had not been in a few years. I was hanging out w/the wrong crowd close to danger and ruining my life. In certain moments I reflected on the things that I learned from camp and it helped me to make some better choices. One of the years I went to camp with my niece and nephew. I was probably the oldest camper there, but I had the opportunity to be an assistant counselor. The camp program became clearer to me, and the things that I learned really resonated with me. I got an award that year for being Mr. Opportunity Camp back in 1990. Now after 20 + plus God had put it on my heart to give back and to help keep the camp going.
Always,
Mr. Opportunity Campy 1990,

February 2012 - Rachel Mitchell

Hello Mr. Ken Cheda
My name is Rachel Mitchell I attended Opportunity camp many years ago. I believe I started attending the camp from the summer of 1999 up until 2002 or 2003. I am currently in my last year of college. I wanted to reach out to you and let you know how much camp has impacted my life. I am truly blessed and grateful in having the opportunity to attend camp. It has truly shaped my life over the past ears. I will never forget the experience I have had at camp from making long time friends and being able to establish a relation with God. I thank you for the work that you continue to do within the Contra Costa County Community. I believe that me attending camp has helped reach the gift in life in helping children. Currently I am applying to be a summer camp counselor with the Junior Blind of America camp in Los Angeles, Ca. I just wanted to let you know that the camp has made a huge impact on my life. Upon graduation from my undergrad I plan on going to get my Master and Credential in Special Education. You are a true blessing from God and I thank you for all you have done and what you continue to do. I wish you the best and May God continue to bless you and Opportunity camp and your family.
Sincerely,
Rachel Mitchell