CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- A camp counselor found Josh crying alone after a game of "Capture the Flag."

He was scared while thinking about his newly adoptive parents, who had sent him to YMCA Camp Horseshoe in Parsons.

Josh's biological father had signed his rights away, leaving the young boy with the fear of getting close to others.

One night at the camp, Josh finally got the courage to open up about his home life with Dakota Marker, a camp counselor from Brooke County. When he began crying, a fellow camper came over and threw his arm around his distressed friend and began to share similar stories of his own.

The bravery the little boy shared by comforting Josh inspired Marker to demonstrate bravery in her own life.

Josh's story is just one of many successes from Camp Horseshoe, an opportunity available for 7- to 12-year-olds, said Alicia Ridenour, administrative manager for the Ohio-West Virginia YMCA.

"The campers come from varied backgrounds. Some have never known their real parents," Ridenour said. "Others live with grandparents while the parent is in prison or [has] just plain left them. They often feel abandoned."

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- A camp counselor found Josh crying alone after a game of "Capture the Flag."

He was scared while thinking about his newly adoptive parents, who had sent him to YMCA Camp Horseshoe in Parsons.

Josh's biological father had signed his rights away, leaving the young boy with the fear of getting close to others.

One night at the camp, Josh finally got the courage to open up about his home life with Dakota Marker, a camp counselor from Brooke County. When he began crying, a fellow camper came over and threw his arm around his distressed friend and began to share similar stories of his own.

The bravery the little boy shared by comforting Josh inspired Marker to demonstrate bravery in her own life.

Josh's story is just one of many successes from Camp Horseshoe, an opportunity available for 7- to 12-year-olds, said Alicia Ridenour, administrative manager for the Ohio-West Virginia YMCA.

"The campers come from varied backgrounds. Some have never known their real parents," Ridenour said. "Others live with grandparents while the parent is in prison or [has] just plain left them. They often feel abandoned."

But at the six-day camp, children are provided home-cooked meals, clothes and other supplies. Camp counselors give them needed love, understanding, friendship and trust, Ridenour said.

"For many [counselors], they actually feel like a parent to their campers, making them take a closer look at their own lives," she said.

About 375 children attend the camp each year, many on full or partial scholarships. Ridenour said about $2,500 is needed to fund 50 children with partial scholarships. All donations are matched with the Governor's Young Opportunity Camp Grant. 

"Camp Horseshoe shows them there is a big world out there and they can do anything if they strive for it," Ridenour said. "Dreams come alive to them and they learn they are 'worthy.' "

For more information on the camp, contact Executive Director Lois Nelson or coordinator Sharon Cassidy at 304-478-2481.

To help a child attend Camp Horseshoe or another camp, mail your donation to the Gazette Charities Send-A-Child-To-Camp Fund, 1001 Virginia St. E., Charleston, WV 25301. Every penny donated goes to camp scholarships; The Charleston Gazette covers all administrative costs.   

Reach Travis Crum at travis.c...@wvgazette.com or 304-348-5163.