In Florence, there is a summer camp for special needs children called Camp RAE. This camp runs so that children with multiple disabilities can further their progress rather than lose the knowledge they learned during the school year.

But this camp has not only been life changing for its campers. This camp made a huge impact on my life as well.

The first time I encountered Camp RAE, my mom asked my sister and I if we wanted to sing in their summer talent show. The show is one of the many fundraisers they put on to provide money to keep the camp running. Being the singers that we are, we jumped on the opportunity to perform. Along with a friend of ours, we did a remix "cup song" to the song "Royals" by Lorde. We won the 18 & under category, with the prize of $75 cash, but we gave the money back. It was awesome to be a part of something that raised money for such a great cause.

The proceeding summer, the camp director invited me back to perform for the finale of the talent show alongside one of the campers. I was unsure about it at first, because at that time I wasn't very comfortable with singing by myself. Regardless, I couldn't say no to Camp RAE, so I told the director I would come and practice with the camper before the show.

And that was when I met Leshon.

Leshon has multiple disabilities that restrict him to a wheelchair. When I walked in the room, his whole face lit up. His counselor had told him the reason why I was there, and he could not stop smiling. That warmed my heart and I don't think I'd ever felt so much love from a stranger. He was so happy that I was there to hang-out and sing with him. We went over the song a few times after I'd taught him a few of the lines he didn't know (he knew most of the song and it was incredible). That day literally changed my whole plan for my life. Before that moment, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I was looking at majors like musical industry and musical theater, because I have always loved music, but I never really found anything that hooked me. That day, I decided I was going to be a teacher. Just being one on one with Leshon showed me that I have a passion for watching people learn, even in the smallest ways.

The day of the show was on my 17th birthday, and I didn't tell anyone that because I don't like to be the center of attention. When it came to our turn, Leshon and I came on stage. As the director introduced us, she also announced that Leshon wanted everyone to join in him singing "Happy Birthday" to me. The whole crowd helped him and he handed me a hand-drawn birthday card that he made himself. That alone made my birthday so special. When we sang, Leshon didn't miss a single word. He sounded great and I had to hold back tears. The crowd was crying and recording, all while cheering for us. I was so blessed to be able to sing with Leshon. It truly changed my life. As a result of this experience, I am attending Francis Marion University with intentions on achieving a major in Early Childhood Education and a minor in Music

This year, Camp RAE recently announced that it will not be reopening next summer. Hearing this broke my heart. My heart hurts for the children that attended the camp summer after summer, but it also broke because I would not have another chance to sing with Leshon in the talent show. Even though the camps closing saddens me, I know that everything happens for a reason and I can only hope that something greater is coming.

Thanks for some great experiences Camp RAE; I send my love to all of you!