Every year, Jacob’s Ladder Climbers are encouraged to write an acceptance letter, stating their intention to return to the Summer Enrichment Camp and continue with the program. Every year, we are encouraged by what the Climbers write and how they express themselves. Below are excerpts from a couple of the letters of intent written by returning Climbers …
“Multiple people from Jacob’s Ladder are either, funny, cool, nice, or all of the above, but a lot of them live far away from me. So you would think it’s hard to create lasting friendships, but it isn’t. A lot of the people from Jacob’s Ladder are easy to keep in touch with. Some of them live close to me so I can go to their houses. As for the other people I keep in touch with online. So I believe these bonds will last for years to come.
The things you learn at JL will stick with you for a lifetime. Most of it you can’t learn in regular education at my age. I.e. Japanese, German, public speaking, money management, etc.. Most of these skills really help me a lot in the courses I take on a regular basis, and in everyday life. With these skills I have a better understanding of the things my teachers teach. Plus you have to learn it quickly because the year goes by very fast. Thanks to this program I have the grades I’ve always hoped for.”
— Climber M.
The below letter was written by a Senior Climber, who is returning to the Summer Enrichment Camp for the last time as a participant …
“Being a part of Jacob’s Ladder for the past four years has been a blessing. Each summer, I look forward to spending time with my JL family. Over the years, JL has given me so much. Not only have I become comfortable with staying away from home for an extended period of time, I get the chance to live and interact with kids like me. JL has been an amazing experience for me and I am extremely excited to go back to camp during the summer.
During this upcoming Summer of JL, I will be a senior. I am really eager to be part of the top class. Of course, I am kind of nervous about being a leader, but I am sure it will be worth it in the end. I want to ease the nerves of the young new climbers. If they are anything like me, then they will be very scared about staying away from home for so long. JL is like a second home to me. I want them to feel at home there too. I can’t wait to meet my new climber buddy. I will be there to answer all their questions and to help them through their first couple of weeks.
… The activities and classes at JL are always fun. Origami, chorus, dancing, and cooking are just some of the amazing things we get to do on a daily basis. The teachers are very kind and they teach you amazing new things that I would have never learned in school. The art, language, and storytelling classes are always my favorite. We study fascinating topics and the classes are engaging. My gym classes at school are alright, but they are a bit tedious. At JL, the gym teacher, Mr. Little, always makes sure we have something fun and exciting to do. I am also very excited to stay in a dorm with the other girl climbers. For an only child like me, getting to share a room with a roommate is a nice change. The girl RA’s always keep the dorms interesting. It is fun to just relax and hang out with friends during free time.
I have countless wonderful memories of Jacob’s Ladder. Every second I spend there is comforting. It is just like being with your actual family. You know the people there care for you. I am free to be myself at Jacob’s Ladder. There are very few places in the world where you can do that. I take part in amazing activities that help build my character and personality. I would never be able to do these things at home. I would like to thank Mr. and Mrs. Hall for everything they have done to make Jacob’s Ladder such an amazing camp. It is truly my second home. I can’t wait to go back to JL this summer.”
— Climber Z.