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The Charlotte Jewish News - October 2015 - Page 10 Camp Soar’s Perspective from the Inside A camper’s high five and an other’s “knuckle” greeting to Bob Bowler is usually the way the camp begins each year. Every year it is something Bob looks forward to and loves because all the campers greet him with excite ment, hugs and “I love yous.” It began with Bob Bowler. How much love can one person give or have? Bob’s vision, not only for Camp Soar but his com mitment to so many other organi zations is over whelming. If you know Bob Bowler, you are one lucky individual and his generos ity and love is contagious. By now Camp Soar should be in everyone’s vocabulary because the LJCC has been hosting camp for the past 15 years. This five day, free retreat, was founded by Bob 15 years ago as a little dream. It hosted 50 campers for three days to participate in sporting activities. Move forward to 2015, 360 campers and 400+ volunteers, add five days, and you’ll have the cur rent Camp Soar. “These campers SHINOLA DETROIT INTRODUCING THE RAMBLER GMT NOW YOU CAN TELL THE TIME IN DETROIT. MICHIGAN DETROIT, TEXAS OR ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD DAVID^SATD 44mm Available with White Dial as shown f / or Black Dial on Rubber Strap THE VILUGE SHOPS AT SOUTH PARK - JUSTTWO DOORS DOWN FROM CRATE & BARREL 704-364-6543 davjd@davidsltd.com You are invited to attend our TK-Grades October 9,2015 9;30a,nn. Grades 6-12 October 16.2015 9:30 a.m. I wivw.char/ottelcjtfVi.orsf/OpenHouseRSVP "‘'i CHARLOTTB T.ATTN SCHOOL ,.. Ua/zs well Ui/td, 9502 Providence Road Charlotte, North Carolina 28277 Admissions Office: 704 846.7207 www.charlottelatin.org never cease to amaze; they partic ipate in sports, extra-curricular ac tivities such as bingo and arts and crafts, all while making new friends and reconnecting with old ones,” Bowler said. “I love doing the camp every year because it gives campers a chance to participate in a wonder- fril camping atmosphere that they may never had or will have. It is a life changing experience for them and a chance to build their self-es teem,” Bowler said. Bob continues explaining “these campers make new friends, try new sports, and adore working with their volunteers.” Like every year prior, no camper goes home empty handed and without wonderful and posi tive memories. One camper’s mother wrote Bob and said that her son “loved the activities, and I think he gave everything his all.” She continues, “for him it wasn’t about the activ ities that made the camp special for him, it was the people.” Apparently her son’s motiva tion to get ready for Camp Soar was to practice his basketball skills prior to Camp Soar so “he could make Bob Bowler proud.” More campers’ parents have said that not only was the camp wonderful, their campers said the enthusiasm of volunteers spread to everyone, and they loved how everyone interacted together. The feedback from the many volunteers has been just as posi tive. “I had a great time helping out at Camp Soar this year,” Ashley Smith from Compass-Usa wrote. “It touches so many lives, and I am so thankful I got to be just a tiny part of it.” There were many repeat volun teers that came from all over. We even had one volunteer travel all the way from Tennessee just to be involved. Kristin Venit said her son Austin had such an incredible week as a volunteer that he will never forget the experience. He hopes to return again next year. CharlDlte Another special part of Camp Soar honoring Bob’s late daugh ter, Vickie. It is important for him that we all remember how won derful she was and, like Bob, re member how she inspired and motivated so many people she touched. “She always was reach ing out to help people and she en joyed enhancing their quality of life,” Bob explained. One way camp carries on Vickie’s memory is to present the Vickie Bowler Memorial Award to a volunteer recognizing their extraordinary enthusiasm, energy, and commitment to the camp. This year’s recipient was Diana Ades. Diana has been involved with Camp Soar since the begin ning and is an integral part of Camp Soar’s success. The Compass Group/Canteen Vending sponsors this prestigious award. A debt of gratitude is due to the generosity of Compass Group/ Canteen Vending. They have fed the campers and volunteers from the beginning. They don’t just supply the lunches but also pro vide the drinks and snacks to the increasing number of volunteers and campers each year. Hopefully you now know a bit more about Camp Soar from the people who produce, volunteer, attend, and sponsor this wonderful free camp. Maybe you’ll even want to get involved. It changes the camper’s lives, but trust us when we say it changes the lives of all that are in volved. Next year’s camp will take place, June 13 - 17. To get in volved with Camp Soar or for more information, please contact Stephanie .gamer@charlottej cc.org or 704-944-6743. ^ Having Fun at Camp Soar Finarv:Mi]| assistance is available. Please about tP^eMabneSc^lars^ipfoc^pfCedsbidenCs in Grades 7-TS-
The Charlotte Jewish News (Charlotte, N.C.)
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