I'm a father of four, grand father of twelve, and guardian of five of those grand children that live with me. For the last two summers, the "Turner Five" have attended the LifeSource Summer Day Camp, and I'd like to share what it's meant to us.

The "Turner Five" are from two daughters; three from a daughter with a drug problem, and two from a daughter struggling with life. The children are cousins, but were raised as siblings. My wife, Patsy ("Nanny" to them) and I ("Pa" or "Toad"), were both younger the first time we raised kids, and healthier. I'm disabled with Post Polio Syndrome and Parkinson's disease. My Health's in a steady decline and I walk with at least one cane and often two. I have low energy and lower patience reserves. Nanny is the bread winner now, and I'm the broken down Mr. Mom. Obviously, summer vacation was an enormous dread and fear for me.

God, with His great since of timing, sent Brother Ernie and Company our way, by the referral of Judy Eagle (our Saint). The kids went to Day Camp eagerly, and returned wore out, yet exuberant. Bear with me as I try to share what I think was the outcome for us.

The kids enjoyed math, computers, field trips, working with clay, etc. Everyday I heard new stories of friendships, fusses, and even disputes. What I saw was five kids enjoying diversity and learning needed social skills, while continually developing academic and art skills. I just now asked all, who were age qualified to return and they exploded at once with a resounding, "I'm going back!" I especially liked that the kids had a chance, without pressure, to learn about our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and His teachings.

This last summer, one grandson was disruptive and suspended from camp and almost expelled. He has ADHD and is trying at best and a challenge at least. When I brought him home from the suspension call, his anger and defiance were apparent. He "hated" it there and was not going back. I told him he was not a prisoner there and he could stay home with me. In fact, I gave ALL the kids a chance to quit (they obviously declined in unison). He replied, "Good, I quit!" I added, "You're not going back if you quit and you must behave if you go back." Not only did he go back, but if there were any other problems, they didn't make it to me (except for the 3 foot snake in his back pack). He learned compliance, compromising (in his mind) and yielding to authority; all valuable social skills.

Most important, it seemed to me, were the friendships made. I was usually there early, for picking them up and late for leaving, while lengthy goodbyes to campers and counselors were handled almost ceremoniously. I'm handicapped, so I waited in the car. Often a counselor would come out to the van with a problem or praise. Both handled with a sincere concern or shared jubilation. I have nothing negative to say about Day Camp.

For me it meant FREEDOM! Since they ate breakfast and lunch at Camp, I had neither the expense nor burden of meeting the hungry demands of the "Turner Five." The thought of dealing with five bored kids all summer was a fearful nightmare. Besides my health, my nerves are shot more easily than in the past. Day Camp preserved my sanity, health, and blessed me financially. As they get too old for Day Camp, my only worry is.puberty. Pastor ERNIE.HELP!!