“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