Osborne Corner: Why I Love That We Take the Boys to Summer Camp & Why We Need Your Help

Lauren Jenkin's Osborne Corner

My husband and I love to travel and spend time outdoors. We enjoy hiking and walking; in fact, we have seen every street in Jersey City at least 1000 times. We’ve been able to visit Hawaii and see the incredible beauty there, and last year we were fortunate enough to visit Italy. We know how lucky we are that we are able to take these types of trips.

It wasn’t until serving on the Board that I truly understood the incredible challenges many Bonnie Brae boys face. Bonnie Brae helps these boys in so many ways, but in my opinion, one of the most important programs Bonnie Brae has is the summer camp trip because it helps them in a way that doesn’t necessarily seem obvious. I remember my own experience at sleep away camp—I learned so much there. I had never kayaked, sailed or gone camping overnight with a group of people and I think it’s incredible that we give Bonnie Brae boys the opportunity to do this. Many of these kids have never been on a real vacation. It’s my belief that as important as work is, having fun is equally important and some of these kids have desperately lacked “fun” in their short lives. This trip allows them to have fun, laugh and be joyful. It is gratifying to know that we are able to help them create new, special memories of a joyous time in life—something they can look back on and remember fondly the same way that I do.

While it is wonderful that we have been able to maintain the trip as long as we have and I am grateful to all those who have offered their support, taking the boys on this trip is not a sure thing. Several years ago we could only afford to take half of the campus to camp, which is why each year we work to spread the word and gain new support for the trip. Please consider making a gift, sharing my story and engaging others to support. I promise that the smiles on the boys’ faces are the only thanks you will need.