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A Lasting Memory
Liz – Group Member Hawaii
Wellesley, MA
The last day was incredibly bittersweet. We were all so excited to spend the day having fun with our buddies for the last time, but we also knew that we would soon be a memory as another 360° group would shortly take our place. After the typical car ride with N*Sync and Goo Goo Dolls dance parties, we pulled up into the driveway and saw all of our buddies waiting for us. The day started with some obstacle courses, art projects and dodge ball, and later we went swimming in the ocean. The end of the day was filled with swapping of email addresses and phone numbers between buddies as the reality hit that this was actually last time we would ever see each other. After making dinner for the kids, they all grabbed their bags and loaded onto the bus. As everyone said their final goodbyes, we realized exactly how much we had done for these kids. We didn’t know where they lived or exactly what kind of environment they were going home to, but we knew that we had created an amazing experience for them as tears were shed out of their sadness to leave. Even if they were going home to virtually nothing, we had allowed them to just be kids and enjoy themselves in a safe environment. Jordan drew hearts on the outside of the window for Paul and Carolyn held Junior’s hand while the bus started to pull away. Although we were all extremely sad to see our little friends go, we knew that we had made a difference in their lives, even if it was only for three days.
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A Group Like No Other
Liz – Group Member Hawaii
Wellesley, MA
After splitting up and going our separate ways,
We look back on those 24 fun-filled days.
We started in Hawaii playing circle games,
As we struggled to learn each other’s names.
Eighteen strangers quickly became one,
And three crazy counselors added to the fun.
From “Jordan loves jumping” to “Joe loves jelly beans,”
It was obvious that this group would exceed all our dreams.
As Ariel showered with locals (at the beach) on the first day,
With a volleyball on the beach the others did play.
We laughed with our buddies all day in the sun,
But we couldn’t believe when the three days were done.
Jake and Eli splashed around in the sea,
And joining in a game of dodge ball was always key.
Carlyn and Junior exchanged friendship beads,
And at Magin’s house we helped to clear weeds.
Avery’s singing and dancing amused us in the car,
And he made the hike to the green sand not seem so far.
Jordan’s snort and Hayley’s cackle made us laugh,
And “YEEHAW” got us pumped with help from the staff.
As we had techno raves in the car with Mel,
Under the tunnel to Lahaina we would yell.
Matthew always had his camera ready in hand,
And Alyssa rode the waves all the way to the sand.
Thank you, Brad, for sharing your iPhone,
And thanks, Hayley Griffin, for your beautiful Broadway tone.
Kevin’s tan-lines are not to forget,
As Angel hung on him so he wouldn’t get wet.
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