Teenager to Camp Director: "You inspire me!"

"Aged to Perfection"

by Hannah Jo

Hannah Jo, 2013 camp intern, read this letter yesterday at Dennis Roach's retirement celebration. Dennis has been the UGM Youth Outreach Director for 13 years.

To Dennis:

I met you on my 16th birthday.

You brought me a cupcake and a napkin that said "Aged to Perfection;" this napkin remains on my wall and will never be moved.

I had a rough summer.

I relapsed into something unhealthy for myself.

You caught me after that bad night.

And you said, "We could send you home, but we're going to keep you here because you have potential."

You were the first person to tell me that I had potential, aside from my parents.

You took me in and helped me realize who I am and who I can be.

You know who I am. And You know  my thoughts on religion and on life in general.

We have been spear fishing, oatmeal fighting, and laughing.

You take  people around you and makes them comfortable.

You are an inspiration to me. And to those around me.

I look up to who you are now, and who you were, and who you are going to be.

I know that you blame yourself for some things, and I know that memories can come back to haunt you.

But you're not afraid. And you're not afraid of yourself.

You are the grandfather I want to have around.

You are one of my parents' best friends.

Dennis, you are "Aged to Perfection." Don't ever change.

Hannah Jo is right in the middle of this picture of the 2013 camp staff (5th from the left).

You can be part of UGM's outreach to at-risk youth. Click on the link below to send a child to UGM Camp this summer for just $89.