It's Camp Time!!

Hey all!! It has been a wild road to camp this year, but we are on our way.

Due to the current poor state of our economy fundraising has been particularly challenging this year. Many agencies, individuals, and private organizations were simply unable to contribute as they have in the past. Despite this obstacle we are happy to report that the majority of funds needed have been secured via smart savings and two very kind and generous donations from Morgan Support Services and The Short Family. (Please see the right side bar for more information regarding benefactors and donations)

As we hit the road for the Upper Peninsula of Michigan we are still in need of assistance. While the bulk of our expenses are covered, we still have a shortfall of roughly $1000. Like everything else these days all of the costs associated with camp have increased. The total cost for Morgan's summer of adventure rings in around $6000 (this total includes: camp tuition, airfare, ground transportation, fees, and lodging). Bay Cliff has graciously extended the deadline for payment of outstanding fees until August 1st.

If you or anyone you know is able to help, or has an interest in learning more, please feel free to contact me using the information provided on the right-hand side bar. Donations may be made via PayPal using the link provided on this page or checks made payable to: Bay Cliff Health Camp.

Now that the business stuff is out of the way, we can focus on the good stuff: FUN and EXCITEMENT!!

Morgan and I are leaving for Michigan on Friday (6/18). Morgan is so excited he can barely contain himself. He is positively giddy to get back to all of his friends and counselors at Bay Cliff. For the pat few weeks all we have heard is story after story about what happens at camp as well as his hopes for what us to come this year. For good measure, we have also been frequently serenaded with Morgan's favorite Bay Cliff songs. I think it is safe to say that he is very ready for camp and all the adventures there are in store.

This year's camp session is sure to be extra special for Morgan as he will celebrate his 13th birthday while there (July 9th). In addition to the magic of a milestone birthday, this will also mark his transition into the camp's Teen Unit. Being in the Teen Unit is the brass ring for Morgan. All he can talk about is the fun stuff that the teens get to do. Morgan has informed me that the teens get to do more stuff, go on field trips, have a dance, and the best part (in Morgan's estimation)...they go water-skiing. I can't wait to post his letters home so we can all relish in the fun.

Speaking of letters...Morgan loves mail call. Getting cards and letters from loved ones means so much to him. Remember he is gone for seven weeks and his only contact with any of us during that time is by mail. If you want to drop Morgan a line while he is away, his address is:

Camper Morgan Vega, Unit V

P.O. Box 310

Big Bay, MI 49808

To keep everyone posted while Morgan is away I have decided to share his letters home with you all right here. I will either transcribe or scan his letters and post them as I receive them. Be sure to check back often to see what he is up to.

In closing, I'd like to thank all of you for your continued support of Morgan. All of your kindness, well-wishes, prayers, and donations continue to move me beyond words. We are eternally grateful for all that each of you has done.

Sincerely,

The Vega Family

Hey everybody! Hope everyone made the most of our snowy winter. Thankfully, Spring is here and as always this time of year, we are gearing up for another exciting Summer at Bay Cliff. Morgan is looking forward to this years session with such enthusiasm, the thought of reuniting with friends and counselors alike have Morgan counting down the days to opening day. In addition to all the familiar camp rituals, this year Morgan will enter the teen unit at Bay Cliff. The transition to the older crowd means even more adventure, and thrilling new opportunities geared towards the older campers. I am already anticipating all of the awesome stories that will surely come from this summer's session.

Fundraising has been a bit difficult this year. The ripple effect of the slow economy has pinched and tugged at the purse strings of many charitable groups. Even Bay Cliff has had to increase their tuition costs to compensate for a loss of contributions. So far we have secured funding for our air travel and about a third of Morgan's tuition. If you or anyone you know have an interest in supporting our fundraising efforts, please contact us via any of the information listed on the right-side-bar, or feel free to make a donation via the PayPal link.

In years past we have only solicited financial donations to help with the costs associated with camp, but this year Morgan has asked that I also ask those visiting this blog to consider making a donation to Bay Cliff directly. The camp is always in need of funds to maintain operation, and they also have a permanent need for clothing items, socks, bedding (sheets and pillow cases), and blankets.

Want to know more about the camp?? Click here to visit the official Bay Cliff website. To learn more about Morgan, scroll down to the All About Morgan post, or email your questions, comments, and well wishes to Morgan directly at morganswish@live.com. He would love to hear from you, and he relishes any opportunity to tell others about the joys of Bay Cliff.

Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to come back often and check out our progress. New photos coming soon!!

The Vega Family

Six Weeks 'til Camp!!

Only six weeks until Morgan heads off for another summer full of fun and adventure at Bay Cliff!! As camp draws near, I have received a few emails and phone calls asking about fund raising efforts for this years camp tuition. This post is dedicated to answering those questions and providing information to any of you that may want to help.

Last years fund raising was AMAZING! To all of the donors, I must again say thank you. Your kindness will never be forgotten. It was an awesome experience for Morgan, and each of you played such a big part in making it happen. Again, thank all of you for your support. The donations, prayers and well wishes were an invaluable part of the journey.

For this years tuition, we tried to take a more proactive approach. As a family we attempted to save as much as possible. To that end, we did well and were able to secure our airfare and a nice portion of the tuition fees. As of today, we are $1100 shy of the total amount due.

In light if the current state of the economy, we chose to approach known charitable foundations and social groups for assistance this year, versus seeking donations from individuals. In making that decision, I neglected to factor in that some of you may have had a desire to help out with Morgan's grand adventure again. So, for those that are interested in making a contribution to this year's fund drive, donations may be made via PayPal (using the link provided on the right side-bar), or you may contact us by email (morganswish@live.com) for a direct mailing address for donations.

Thanks so much for stopping by and checking in. Be sure to leave Morgan a message in the guestbook, he'd love to know you were here. Check back for updates!!

Spring is Here!!

It's that time again!! Operation Summer Camp is back in business and all set to rock-and-roll all the way back to Big Bay, MI!! If this is your first visit to our site, kick back and get to know us...

I'm sure that you're wondering what Operation Summer Camp is all about, so sit back and let me tell you all about it...Morgan has been given inviteed to spend another summer at Bay Cliff Health Camp in Big Bay, Michigan. The camp has been in operation for more than sixty years with a primary mission to improve the lives of children with physical disabilities. Bay Cliff Health Camp serves about 180 children each summer with every kind of orthopedic, speech, hearing, and visual disability. Through an intensive program of daily therapy and traditional camp activities, children learn to become more independent and are inspired to believe in themselves and their potential. To learn more about Bay Cliff, click here.

Camp runs from June 20th until August 8th. In addition to participating in normal camp activities, Morgan will also recieve physical, speech and occupational therapies with a focus on increasing his independence in the school and home settings. Bay Cliff also provides a social environment that will allow Morgan to make lasting friendships and grow as young man, gaining confidence and abilities that will serve him far beyond his weeks at camp.Here's where you come in...We need help raising funds to cover the cost of summer tuition. The total cost to the family after the scholarship, is $3200.The purpose of this page is to ask for your help in making Morgan's wish come true. We welcome any help that you can provide; financial contributions, suggestions on funding sources, even just passing this information on to someone else that may want to help. Look to the right to find my contact information and a link to make contributions via PayPal.

This is such an awesome opportunity for Morgan, the skills and experiences that this camp afford him are numerable and irreplaceable. Be a part of making this dream come true! Thanks for taking the time to read this...come back often for updates on the fund raising, and stay tuned this summer for updates from camp!!!

The Vega Family

Welcome to Bay Cliff!!

We made it to camp!! Our travel was VERY eventful and not without some drama and more than a few hiccups, but we made it!! Our day started around 3 a.m. We flew from Richmond to Detroit and finally on to Marquette, MI.


Morgan loves flying. Despite turbulence and a lot of air pockets, Morgan managed to get lots of rest on the flight.

After many hours in various airports, and a beautiful ride through the amazing Upper Peninsula of Michigan we made it to camp. Upon our arrival we were welcomed warmly by camp staff and we quickly began the check-in process.

Chats at the health cottage, meeting the therapists, touring the camp, a quick lice check and let the games begin!! Morgan's camp experience is underway. His cabin is lovely and big. When he went in and had a look around he said, "I'm in heaven!!" Bunk beds, beautiful hardwood floors and a roomy screened porch, a truly perfect camp cabin. We met a couple of his bunk mates, Robbie and Stevie and Cabin counselor, Ms. Mal. Morgan was eager to meet the rest of his new buddies and get me out of there.

Our good-byes were quick and easy. A warm hug, a big kiss, and Mommy was on her way. Morgan was in excellent spirits, and the look on his face was one of pure joy and excitement.

Well that's all for now. I'll be posting throughout the summer and I'll be sure to post the messages he sends home. As always let's keep our little man prayed up while he's away from home.

If any of you would like to write him, please use the following address : Morgan Vega, Unit V - Bay Cliff Health Camp - P. O. Box 310 - Big Bay, MI 49808.

Check the sidebar and scroll down for more pics.

And We're Off to Camp!!

I have to start this post by extending my true and heartfelt thanks to all of you that have played a part in making this dream a reality. The outpouring of support has been such a blessing. From monetary donations to words of encouragement and most importantly prayer support, each of you have helped to get us to where we are right now!!

In a few days, six to be exact, Morgan will be on his way to camp. I will be flying with him to Michigan to begin this awesome adventure. Morgan is very excited and can't wait to get there. He and I both are looking forward to all of the new experiences that he will undoubtedly have over the summer.

As most of you know, this will be Morgan's first time away from home. If you're interested in dropping him a line over the summer, please email me (morganswish@live.com) for the camp address. I'm sure he'd love to hear from his friends and family. Nothing like hearing your name at mail call to keep that homesick feeling at bay.

Since the beginning of this whole process, I have been keeping a notebook / planning journal for Operation Summer Camp. Inside the front cover is a quote that I'd like to share with all of you...

"Faith is a tree, growing new branches even in the face of a storm. And when the time is right, those new branches bear fruit. It is faith that sustains me, faith that makes sense out of chaos, faith that holds the world together in the face of crisis. - When you have faith, despair is not an option."

My faith, my family, my friends, and some very generous strangers have blessed our family in a way that words can scarcely express. Again thank you all for everything! May God bless and keep each of you!

With much love,

Shelley, Morgan and Gabriel

P.S. Stay tuned for updates and info about how Morgan is doing at camp!!

Operation Summer Camp Update

WOW!! Operation Summer Camp is really grooving!! You guys are all amazing!! Our fund-raising campaign has been very successful thus far. Thanks to the kindness and generosity of many, we have raised the $3200 needed for Morgan's camp tuition!!

Alas, our work is not done...there is still one hurdle we need help getting over - AIRFARE!! As most of you are aware, recent changes at the gas pump and problems at the airlines have caused a major jump in the cost of air travel.

When this journey first began, we had a rough quote for the trip coming in at $1000, now a month and a half later that price has more than doubled!! But we will NOT be defeated -- Let's keep this thing cooking!!

It's crunch time guys--Moving forward we need everyone's help. We still need donations, help spreading the word about Operation Summer Camp and the wonderful young man that we're helping, and we readily welcome any suggestions and/or ideas to help us reach our ultimate goal.

I'd like to personally thank everyone for all of the help, support, donations and well-wishes that we have received. The love and outpouring of kindness has been overwhelming. Thank you all so much for all that you have done!!

With all of that said...Let's get out there and crank up the heat for operation Summer Camp!!

Much love to all of you,

Shelley Vega

A Message From Morgan

I would like to thank everybody for all of the help they are giving me. I especially want to thank my friends and family for the notes in my guestbook. My Mom says that we're getting there. I can't wait to go to camp! Thanks for helping me get there!

Love,
Morgan

All About Morgan

It occurred to me that some people visiting this site don't know Morgan or his family very well, so I though that I should post some info here to let you know about the special young man that you're helping...

Morgan is an eleven year old fifth grader in Henrico County Public Schools. Morgan is mainstreamed with his normally developing peers at school and works very hard to achieve academic success. Morgan has Cerebral Palsy and uses a power wheelchair to get around. Morgan is able to talk, but he also uses a touch screen communication device to help him talk with others.

Morgan's physical condition impacts what he is able to do, but his limitations do not impede his thinking and feeling. Morgan is extremely outgoing and friendly making him very popular at school and in the community. He is often described as charming, sensitive, funny and smart.

Morgan lives at home with his Mom (Shelley) and his baby brother (Gabriel, 2). Morgan loves his family and isn't shy about letting them or anyone else know. He loves being a big brother and can't wait to teach his little brother everything he knows.

Morgan loves movies and television. His favorite thing to watch is wrestling, he is a true and devoted fan of WWE RAW. He says that John Cena and Triple H are his heroes. Coming in a close second are the Power Rangers. For fun Morgan enjoys bowling and racing in his wheelchair. Morgan has competed in the Virginia Victory Games (formerly known as the Rainbow Games) for the past six years. Over that span he has earned several gold medals for bowling, racing and obstacle courses.

This is just a snapshot of Morgan...a well-rounded and happy young man. It would be impossible to capture this child in words, but I hope that at least know you have an idea of who he is. If you'd like to know more, send Morgan an email at morganswish@live.com . He will answer any questions you may have.

Thanks for your time!!

Let us know you stopped by...

Sign our guestbook, and let us know you were here. Leave messages for Morgan and his family. There is a link on the right hand side of the page...click it and say hello!!

Welcome to Operation Summer Camp

I'm sure that you're wondering what Operation Summer Camp is all about, so sit back and let me tell you all about it...

Morgan has recently been given an opportunity to spend his summer at Bay Cliff Health Camp in Big Bay, Michigan. The camp has been in operation for more than sixty years with a primary mission to improve the lives of children with physical disabilities. Bay Cliff Health Camp serves about 180 children each summer with every kind of orthopedic, speech, hearing, and visual disability. Through an intensive program of daily therapy and traditional camp activities, children learn to become more independent and are inspired to believe in themselves and their potential. To learn more about Bay Cliff, click here.

Camp runs from June 14th until August 2nd. In addition to participating in normal camp activities, Morgan would also recieve physical, speech and occupational therapies with a focus on increasing his independence in the school and home settings. Bay Cliff also provides a social environment that will allow Morgan to make lasting friendships and grow as young man, gaining confidence and abilities that will serve him far beyond his weeks at camp.

Here's where you come in...We need help raising funds to cover the cost of summer tuition. The total cost to the family after the scholarship, is $3200.

The purpose of this page is to ask for your help in making Morgan's wish come true. We welcome any help that you can provide; financial contributions, suggestions on funding sources, even just passing this information on to someone else that may want to help. Look to the right to find my contact information and a link to make contributions via PayPal.

This is such an awesome chance for Morgan, the skills and experiences that this camp would afford him are numerable and irreplaceable. Be a part of making this dream come true! Thanks for taking the time to read this...come back often for updates on the fund raising, and stay tuned this summer for updates from camp!!!

The Vega Family