We learned of Jill’s House from friends. We started the application process in early 2020 and were so excited to send Quinn that summer. Unfortunately the pandemic changed all that. However, we were able to meet with a staff member at a local park, have questions answered and get MORE excited for our son to go the following year. 

Quinn was finally able to go to the Blue Ridge Camp in July 2021. Coincidentally, our daughter had her first sleepover camp experience this summer as well. In anticipation, we visited her camp during spring break and Blue Ridge camp a couple of weeks later.

The Blue Ridge staff was fantastic and gave us a thorough tour. I really appreciated that we could talk through all the first time camp jitters as a family and know they were both going to have unique experiences. After my daughter went to her June camp, Quinn kept asking about when he got to go to his camp . He was so excited!!!

Finally the day arrived. Drop off went smoothly that Friday night. We were thankful we had seen everything in the spring, since it was a strict stay in the car drop off experience. He was so enthusiastic and we barely had time for a drop off photo, as he raced into the lodge. The following morning, we got a text from a staff member with a quick update on his evening. It warmed our heart to know he was having such a life changing experience independent of us.

Quinn is not able to communicate what he did during those 3 nights and 2 days. When we picked him up, he was happy to see us and on the the ride home, we asked if he wanted to go back he said “YES”.

Unfortunately, Quinn broke his leg August 1 at our house a few weeks after his return. We got a call about a last minute cancellation a few days later and it broke our heart to turn it down. But we know that when he is back to 100%, he is going to love celebrating his recovered health and his independent spirit at Blue Ridge again!

Thank you so much for giving Quinn the opportunity to experience the adventure and independence of camp!

Thank you for making stories like the Andreozzi’s possible.