OSU KidSpirit

“Gift given in the memory of Geoff Tomlinson. Rest in Peace, Geoff, smile down on us all.”
— Tim M., Torrington, CT

“Our gift is in memory of Geoff Tomlinson. Our son had the privilege of having Geoff as a counselor for several years at OSU’s Kidspirit program. “Ash,” as he was known to his campers, played and led and spread smiles wherever he went.”
— Molly B., Corvallis, OR

“Our  gift to KidSpirit is our family's way of thanking them for being so  loving, kind and caring to our son. The staff at KidSpirit are so  wonderful! They bring more joy to our family than words could express.  Our greatest thanks comes in the way of sponsoring another child to  enjoy this great time.”
— Kelli S., Corvallis, OR
 
“KidSpirit  has been part of my life for over a decade. I have grown with KidSpirit  as a camper and a staff and this is the least I can do to give back to  such a phenomenal program!”
— Courtney S., Corvallis, OR

“I  give to KidSpirit because of the tremendous impact it made on my life  as a student-worker at OSU. KidSpirit gave me the forum to develop  confidence and skills that prepared me for life after college. I have  been fortunate to have a successful early career and attribute much of  that success to KidSpirit, under Karen Swanger's direction.”
— Joshua K., Philomath, OR

“KidSpirit  is an amazing program! From experiencing it as a camper, to now as a  staff, I have learned so much. I have made countless friends throughout  the years, and have endless memories. KidSpirit will always have a place  in my heart and I am happy to give back to help this program be the  best it can be!”
— Kathrine L., Corvallis, OR

“I  love KidSpirit with all my heart. My son Brian has attended for the  past two years and I am humbled by the caring and love he receives from  each and every staff member. Brian has autism and this has been the  first time he has been allowed to attend a camp that mainstream children  attend. This has meant the world to Brian and our family. The truth is,  Brian is able to attend this camp because of the empathy and compassion  that everyone feels toward him and their genuine ability and gift to  love each and every child, disability or not. KidSpirit staff are my  heroes. I could never thank them enough for all they have done in our  lives. Their gift to us is priceless. Thank you KidSpirit.”
— Kelli S., Corvallis, OR

“I  worked at KidSpirit for the summer of 2007, and it was just one of the  most fabulous experiences I've ever had. The kids were great, of course,  and I had a blast with them, but I also had a great time with the other  staff members - I felt like the training we got was really thorough and  excellent, and like I was in the best possible environment to give  everything I could to my campers. I learned so much from the amazing  people I worked with, and I still consider it one of the most rewarding  and fulfilling jobs I have ever had. ”
— Claire R., Pomona, CA

“My  son (Grizzly) is currently employed at KidSpirit. I can truly see how  inspired and dedicated he is to this program. It has given him the  opportunity to enhance all areas of his professional skills and also  become an involved member of an organization on campus. I hear stories  about all the great friends that he has made and the fun experiences  that have occured while working with both the kids and his peers. I  chose to donate so that these same opportunities my son has taken  advantage of will be available for future college students long after my  son graduates. ”
— Mohammad A., Philomath, OR

“Being  a new staff member to KidSpirit, I have already seen how KidSpirit  changes the lives of so many kids and staff that I just had to be a part  of it. I can't wait to see where KidSpirit can go from here.”
— Jordee J., Corvallis, OR

“I  was inspired to give to the OSU KidSpirit program for several reasons.  First and foremost because I would not be the person I am today without  the knowledge, experiences, and relationships I have gained from working  at KidSpirit. For some people college becomes of time of selfishness,  we often are still supported financially by our parents yet we have the  freedom and independence to use our time however we desire; we have  nobody to answer to but ourselves. During my sophomore year at OSU I was  smart (or lucky) enough to get involved with KidSpirit and Girls on the  Run Willamette Valley as a way to use up some of my free time. I had no  idea that it would become such a huge part of my life. I work mainly  with Chefs in Motion, a program for children in grades 3-8 that promotes  overall wellness through a curriculum combining exercise, cooking, and  nutrition. KidSpirit is a place that encourages you to channel your  unique talents into making a difference in the lives of others. Karen  Swanger, the director, is a phenomenal individual; she puts a great deal  of trust into her employees and challenges us do things we often don't  think we are capable of. Though it's not always easy, and at times is  stressful or chaotic, it is always rewarding. Few things can top hearing  that you've made an impact on a child's life and the joy of seeing them  grow and accomplish their goals. It is my hope that my gift helps  KidSpirit continue to foster the kind of positive growth and development  I have experienced for years to come.”
— Kayla S., Corvallis, OR

“KidSpirit is an amazing place because it helped make my daughter what she is today! Thank you KidSpirit.”
— Joyce  L., Corvallis, OR

“My  time with KidSpirit was one of the best summers I have ever had. Not  only did I get to meet some amazing people and see them every day, but I  got the opportunity to make a difference for hundreds of children.  Where else is can you wear a super hero cape and play with kids all day  and call it work?!”
— Brittinay R., Corvallis, OR

“I  have been a part of the KidSpirit program since I was a camper. I have  grown through the program as a camper, a teen leader, a counselor in  training, and now today I am a staff. It is clear that is program has  given me so much and made me the young professional that I am today. I  owe a lot of my personal growth to this program, the kids who come every  year, and the amazing staff. KidSpirit 4 life!”
— Cameron C., Corvallis, OR

“KidSpirit  is the best job I have ever had. Since the moment I stepped through the  doors of Langton Hall I have been the happiest I have ever been in my  life. KidSpirit is not only a place that brings smiles to the faces of  its staff, but also touches the hearts of many children. Coming to  KidSpirit everyday and seeing the smiling faces and the laughter of the  children that get a chance to experience that which is KidSpirit is an  experience no words can explain. I am so blessed to have the opportunity  to experience KidSpirit as a part of my life and love that I have the  opportunity to give back and help KidSpirit be here on our beautiful  campus for many years to come!”
— Autumn B., Corvallis, OR

“OSU  KidSpirit has given me an opportunity that no other establishment on  this campus has been able to. Through KidSpirit I have been able to form  strong friendships and connections as well as being able to develop my  professionalism and work experience. I love KidSpirit!!!”
— Kasra A., Corvallis, OR

“In  my time at OSU KidSpirit has given me so much. Not only have I grown as  a professional but I have also made life long relationships with fellow  staff. It has been an amazing experience watching myself grow over my 4  years here. Not only have I established friendships with incredible  staff, but I have also learned so much from the Corvallis youth that  attend the KidSpirit programs. In my last terms at OSU I want to make  sure I am giving back to the program that has given me so much as well  as make sure that KidSpirit is around for many years to come!”
— Adam A.

“My  son has been a counselor at KidSpirit and it has greatly impacted him;  and the stories he has shared with me about his experiences have had an  impact on me too. It is a wonderful program for kids.”
— Lisa L., Anchorage, AK

“I LOVE THIS PLACE AND THE PEOPLE THAT WORK THERE. THEY MAKE MY LIFE BETTER.”
— Joseph T., Corvallis, OR