As he boarded his flight in Baltimore for the three and half hour flight to Denver, he found his aisle seat. Seated next to him was a mom and her young son. She asked if Donnie would mind sitting in the window seat. “Oh no,” he said, “the view is much better by the window!”

Donnie’s a sophomore at Harrisburg Area Community College earning top grades as he pursues a Social Services degree. “My freshman year was really tough,” Donnie said, “but — excuse the pun — it was an eye opening experience.” [Accented by his outgoing laughter.]

He plans to go to law school. “I want to be an advocate for battered kids.”

“So, what do you think of XMO events high in the snow of the Rocky Mountains?” “This place is the truth! I’m making new friends, learning new things and eat’n a lot of food!” says Donnie. “I want to come every year—if my education doesn’t get in the way!”

“I can’t wait to clock 90 on the snowmobile tomorrow! I’ve never driven anything before.”

What better to get you into the holiday spirit than a gorgeous rendition of one of our XMOCamp athletes singing “O Holy Night”. Sit back and enjoy Alyssa’s beautiful voice as she sing about what the season is truly about. Enjoy!!!

Alyssa just turned nineteen and plans to attend Vanguard University in Southern California beginning in the fall. A firm believer in Jesus Christ, she will study music, worship and the arts. Blessed with a beautiful voice, she uses her gift to minister to others. Alyssa’s favorite part about camp is the worship that begins and ends the very busy days. “I just love having everyone praising God together,” she explains, “It gives me peace and fills me with the joy of the Lord.”

An experienced downhill skier, she decided to attempt cross country skiing for the first time. She enjoyed it immensely, that is, until she reached the downhill section of the track. Losing control of her speed, she plowed down the hill, bracing herself with her ski poles. She hears a snap as her ski runs over her pole, breaking it in half. The wind grasps at her hair as she continues speeding down the hill with desperate abandon. Unbeknownst to her, a friend was waiting at the bottom of the hill for her. Suddenly, there is a crash and a shriek, and both girls topple to the snow in a tangled mess of skis and poles and mumbled protests. It hurt a great deal, but she recalls it as one of the funniest moments at camp.

Riding on a snowmobile was a relatively new experience for Alyssa. She appreciated the chance to drive while Mindy, her driver, gave her directions by applying pressure to either her left or right arm. It made her feel good to be in control of something. It was exciting to use the throttle, to slow down or speed up at will. As she climbs off the snowmobile, she giggles and says, “Well, I didn’t kill Mindy, that’s what matters.”

by Kayla Legare

When Sumaia was an infant, she was in a severe car accident that caused various injuries to her body. As a result, she was given a shunt to help drain the cerebral spinal fluid in her brain. As she grew, the shunt had to be changed regularly as her brain matured. At the age of 13, she  was diagnosed with meningitis which made her very sick. Around the same time, she underwent another surgery to change the shunt. When she awoke from the surgery, she was blind. She isn’t quite sure what caused the blindness but understands that it had something to do with both her meningitis and the surgery.

Sumaia has never skied before and exuberantly described her morning of cross country skiing where she “fell all over the place” and her afternoon of down hill skiing where she “didn’t fall at all!” Brimming over with joy she spoke about the sense of independence she felt and the thrill she recieved as she traversed the mountain while an instructor called turns a few feet behind her. Likewise, she has never snow mobiled before and is eager to drive, a milestone that has long since passed her by.

She has met many new friends and plans to give them her phone number so she can keep in contact once camp has come to an end.

She is “having a great time” and has already made the decision to return to Winter Park next year. “I just feel better,” she says, “Better in that I feel free, not that I didn’t feel free before, but now I know I can do anything. I just love it here!”

by Kayla Lagare

At the gym, three blind girls join hands while they play crack the whip on roller skates. Giggling hysterically, they lose their balance, and tumble to the floor in a pile. Legs and arms are untangled as they stagger to their feet and start the whole process all over again. On the other side of the gym, bouncing of basketballs is heard as campers and staff compete against each other. A camper shouts with joy as he makes the shot. Upstairs at the rock climbing wall, a group of campers race each other to the top of the wall. Cheers are heard when each hand tags the top. Looking for an even tougher challenge, a couple campers try the red wall, where they hang practically upside down. In the next room, at a foosball table, four campers spin the handle wildly, hoping that this time they might hit the ball. Competitively, they tease each other good naturedly, bragging about the points they just made.

Later in the day, campers and staff head to the Hot Sulfur Springs where they soak in each of the 17 different pools. The smell of sulfur is strong and the sighs of contentment are many as the heat of the pools relax their taught muscles.

The day ends with camper sharing, a message from Pastor Steve and worship where Troy blesses the group with his incredible harmonica playing. Afterwards, the campers and staff head to bed, eagerly anticipating the morning to come.

by Kayla Lagare

But there is no pity here today. Staff member, Alice, encourages campers to roll large round snowballs bigger and bigger. Together they heave the large balls on top of each other. Not only are they having fun, but it is a teaching moment for Alice. The proverbial light bulb lights up as the brain calculates the real shape and size of a snowman.

Finally, the round eyes and finishing touches are in place and cameras are passed around for a photo op. Parents and friends back home will experience this outing, too.

“Watch out!” Stepping aside, I discover a snowball fight in full swing. This is not a good time to talk because the blind campers  are aiming at anyone they can hear. Pretty soon Kiira’s hair is powered white. She in turn shares snow with Lynn, Brian, and everyone within three to five feet. Giggling and laughter fill the crisp air.

Eventually, hot drinks and a rest on benches by the bonfire feels good. Then here goes round two. Some make snow angels. Christina’s Seeing Eye dog chases a stick and rolls in the snow. And another bout of snowballs begin to fly. Finally, “It’s time to load up and go back” is met with “So soon?”

The magic of this day – nothing was held back! The realization hits that here, for now, for this one week, the blind had fun. Not just fun but a blast. No one was judgmental. No one had to worry about being proper for the sighted world. This was sheer joyous fun with your peers who understand what blindness means to a young person..

by Janell Hurst