Testimonials

The End…Or the Beginning

By Kate Schapira (Camper)

Once upon a time there was a place that wasn't heaven, but almost. At first glance it was just a collection of buildings and trees. But when you got there, you began to melt in.

You began to have friends and make things that weren't always beautiful or useful, but you did have fun making them - and you could always make more. You started to take part in the many crazy activities that infiltrated this wonderful place.

As time went by, you joined the chorus, or dance class, or auditioned for a play, or became a clown, or...anyway, whatever you did, there was no pressure and it was sure to be fun eventually. You even picked up a few inside jokes. "Show me!" you said. "Show me more!" And the counselors, true to their wonderful and usually patient selves, did.

And maybe there were rough spots, days when your pots collapsed and your solder broke and your friends deserted you. But because of the caring and supportive environment, you weathered them. You got through them. And this place began to seem, afterward, even more like heaven. There was so much to do. There was so much to be. There still is. Can you guess what I'm talking about? Have you been there? Of course you have. And you'll come back. You won't be able to help yourself. Once you've been to this wonderful place, Buck's Rock, you're a part of it. And it's a part of you. You'll see.

The End...or the beginning.

Buck's Rock perfects itself more every year! How it works its magic remains a mystery, but it all starts with the care, insights, and great instincts of the Buck's Rock team who create a summer experience of fun that is attuned to each camper's emotional and creative well being.

Our daughter just finished her third summer and every year just gets better! She arrived a couple of days late but it had already been taken care of that she would be able to have an equal chance at being involved in the first stage play. She had her first lead role at Buck's Rock which she will always cherish as an amazing experience, both socially and creatively!

Over these three years she has met new campers and has made life long friendships. Buck's Rock is blessed with a unique atmosphere that fills every camper with the opportunity to be true to themselves in a safe and nurturing environment. She has grown in confidence and social abilities as a direct result of being a Buck's Rock camper. And her words say it best...Buck's Rock ROCKS!!

- Email from Parent

First Year Camper

By Peter Anderson (Camper)

When I first heard of Buck's Rock, I thought it was just another loving, sing-around-the-fire kind of camp. Boy, was I wrong! Buck's Rock is more than just a camp, it's a place where you don't have to worry about anything: the clothes you wear, being the best athlete, actor, singer, etc... When I auditioned for one of the plays, I was really nervous, but during my audition I met new friends who auditioned with me and when we messed up we would laugh about it afterwards. Buck's Rock is not just another camp, it's a place where you can make great friends and have a lot of fun.

We just wanted to thank you so much for allowing our daughter to join you this past summer.  This was the first camp setting she has ever gone to and the longest she has ever been away from family. This experience was something that she will never forget.

We live in a very small home in Brooklyn.  As with many others, Covid was hard on us.  We lost our jobs (which we have yet to find new ones) and loved ones.  Financially, we have very been strapped so having this opportunity for our daughter meant everything.

Not only did she get to express herself in new and exciting artistic ways, she met friends and had a wonderful time.  She came back independent and exuded confidence in ways only going to sleep away camp and getting away from family can. 

From the bottom of our hearts we thank you for this amazing opportunity.  We love everything you stand for and wish you a great rest of the year!

- Email from Parent

Return to Camp

My child never quite felt like they fit in at Buck’s Rock (difficult to imagine, I know…) and their ASD, ADHD, and LGBTQA status only served to exacerbate those feelings in years prior. We kept sending them, however, feeling like the time away would help them  grow. I desperately wanted them to feel the same magic I felt when I attended Buck’s Rock.

This was going to be their last summer, and when Scott offered a position as a CIT - they readily took it.

Direct texts from them this summer - verbatim:

“This is the BEST SUMMER OF MY LIFE”

“I feel like my shop is a big, huge, family”

“I finally feel like it’s ok that I’m neurodiverse and bisexual”

“I LOVE IT HERE”

When we came to get them on Festival Day, the energy was just… different. Of course I was happy to see my child and partake in the buzzing electricity of Festival, but it was more than that. As I sat on the porch waiting for my husband and child to collect their final belongings from their bunk, there was a warmth that had been missing for so long…you could feel it. It was palpable. They made a special effort to find and introduce us to their favorite counselors, and each time we met a new person it confirmed to us that they were supported, understood, and loved.

All of you did an amazing, over the top job during trying circumstances, and my family is indebted to Scott, Antonia, and everyone that made this summer happen after 2 very, very long years - I finally feel like my kid has found the Buck’s Rock magic.

They are counting the days until they come back.

- Buck’s Rock Alum and Parent

I just got my first letter from my daughter and it’s the best letter a parent possibly could get. It started with her saying “this is the best camp ever.” She goes on to tell me about how everyone is her friend and everyone is so nice to her, telling me all the things she is doing. The best line in the letter, her words: “I’m no longer weird to kids or adults because they’re all like me. I love this place so so much. Thank you for letting me go.”

This is EXACTLY what she needed, and what we needed FOR her.

GREAT job, thank you for running a place she finally feels accepted.

- Email from parent

Cool Summer Breeze

By Anonymous Camper

I came to this camp a socially lost person, an uptight person, a perfectionist to the point that I would try no activity in which I could not achieve what I thought was an acceptable standard. And through these few weeks I found many parts of myself.

I found the more confident person who would hold molten glass on the end of a pole. And I found someone who would do something even more frightening - make friends and try to forget the idea that they would one day reject me, or hurt me. The people I met here were ones to whom I completely entrust my psyche. There is not a single person here who has ever hurt me, and this is the only place I have ever been about which I can say that. My friends and counselors here are some of the most interesting, talented, funny, decent people I have ever met.

I have tried so many things. I have tried things that didn't come out perfectly, and for the first time since I can remember, I am just as proud of the bowl that is slightly lopsided and the batik with a few wax drops as I am of the things that are just so, just "perfect."

In this place I found peace and resolution with myself. I began to truly believe that I am special in some areas where I never received enough direction from people I trusted to tell me the truth. But more importantly, I can now do something where no one will ever tell me I am "the best" or "so talented," and that this is all right.

Thank you, Buck's Rock, for the cool summer breeze that will always blow over me. Thank you for helping me give myself the best gift I ever got.