If you’ve ever had an experience that allows you to step back from your daily rush of tasks, unplug, and look at the world through new eyes, you’ll understand how much I appreciated the few days I spent this week at Camp Prime Time.

Camp Prime Time is a jewel of a place, tucked into the spectacular Wenatchee National Forest. But it’s more than just a lovely spot to kick back and enjoy the beauties of nature. It’s a camp with a very special mission—”to enrich the lives of families with children who are seriously ill or developmentally disabled by providing an outdoor wilderness experience where families can enjoy themselves in a supportive atmosphere without financial burden.”

Awesomeness in action

Staffed by volunteers and made possible by donations, the camp was positively overflowing with good cheer and a lot of cooperative fun in a casual, unstructured atmosphere. I loved being able to meet so many great people, to be inspired and uplifted by them, to spend time with these very special families.

And the volunteers who made everything run so smoothly were awesome, endlessly caring, competent, and ready with a smile and a helping hand. We got to make some pretty cool craft projects, have a campfire sing-along with s’mores, take a wagon ride down to the dock where we got on a pontoon boat for a tour around the lake. We hiked, played games, ate great meals and watched the movie Turbo in an amazing wheelchair accessible tree house.

We played bingo one night and I had an unbelievable lucky streak, winning so many times it got embarrassing!

Real life stories

Each of us is living our own real life story, playing it out, dealing with conflict and characters as we forge ahead through our days. We’re too close to it, so we don’t often step back to look at the big picture, the overall arching story that encompasses our lives, but it’s there—in the daily choices we make that shape who we are and where we’re headed.

It was heart-warming and inspiring to meet and talk with some really awesome, strong, and courageous families. To witness the interactions between campers and volunteers and the friendships made among everyone present. I love being around positive people who are determined to make a difference in the world and to the people whose lives they touch.

I’m grateful for the opportunity I had to spend some choice moments at Camp Prime Time and encourage anyone who gets the chance to participate in something like that to jump on board with gusto and get ready for a life-changing experience.

How about you? Have you been able to participate in a similar experience? Do you ever get glimpses into the big story of your life and how it’s playing out? Tell us about it in the comments.