I dropped my granddaughter off for her first week at Camp on Sunday. I never imagined myself saying those words. It seems just yesterday that my children were campers.

The atmosphere at Camp was like a gathering of friends. I visited with three past counselors and several past campers dropping off their children. I talked with parents who were apprehensive about leaving their child for their first year at Camp, and watched their apprehension melt away as they learned of the legacy of leadership at Camp and throughout our youth programs.

Having spent 28 summers at our Camp, I understand how Camp impacts lives. Parents and grandparents around the state realize too as their children return home with stories of adventure and learning. It’s the amazing Camp counselors who provide an environment where children can experience something new in a safe and caring atmosphere. For 64 years Camp has been a summer tradition for Hermann Sons Life families throughout Texas.

This year Camp touched lives in a very special way as we hosted our first Grief Support Session. Children struggling with the loss of a parent, sibling or other family member attended this special four-day session to share the experiences of their profound loss. See our newspaper for details about this incredible week of support. I wish to thank all of our members and lodges for their financial contributions and fund-raising efforts and the volunteers who gave their time and energy to make this special Camp session possible.

Camp finished for the summer on Aug. 5. But in a couple of months two more grandchildren will be starting their first year of Hermann Sons Life dance where their lives will be impacted through the lessons they learn from their instructors, through group interactions and through the performance experience.

Hermann Sons Life impacts so many lives in profound ways throughout each stage of life. This level of impact is only possible because of our loyal members who remain members and who pass on the traditions of membership.