To Whom It May Concern:

It gives me great pleasure to write this letter of recommendation on behalf of Koinonia Camp and Conference Center.  As Manager of the Safe and Drug Free Schools Program for Youngstown City Schools I have brough numerous groups of youngsters to Camp Koinonia.  I have found their staff to be highly professional, courteous, and genuinely concerned about the well-being of young people.  I am confident that bringing my students to Camp Koinonia has boosted the effectiveness of our program.

The groups from our school district that have come to Camp Koinonia have been of various ages, skill levels, and social backgrounds.  The staff has been very adept at designing experiential learning activities that helped stimulate our students personal and social growth.  Both the camp's grounds and lodging facilities are well maintained.  The camp and their expert facilitators can offer a wide array of activities to challenge the participants, teach them valuable lessons that will help them throughout their lives, and improve their confidence and self esteem.  Most importantly, all activities are done with the utmost care and safety.

The most valuable resource o9ur school has is our children.  I am comfotable bringing students to Koinonia because I know they will be treated with love and respect and offered the very best in experiential learning.

Sincerely,

Dawud W. Abdullah, Manager

YCS - Office of Safe & Drug Free Schools

Dear Randy and Lori:

In a day and age where consumption and development are a way of life, Camp Koinonia has offered our students a look into a world of conservation, protection, and harmony.  Our sixth grade fall retreat has always been a great environment where students can not only learn the values of responsibility and togetherness, but also foster an appreciation for their environment and human's impact on it.

Between our free time fishing in the stocked pond, with guaranteed results, and taking our initiatives course training and execution, our students leave Koinionia with a sense of pride in their accomplishments and a feeling of personal satisfaction lthat they have been able to be a part of such a great event.  They can carry on the responsibility they learn at camp to their classroom and everyday lives.

Thank you again for such a wonderful experience and we hope to be a part of the Koinonia family for years to come.

Educationally yours,

Lake Ridge Academy 6th Grade Teachers

I have wanted to tell you something for a long time - so this thany you is years overdue.

As a mother of four - a single mother - does Camp Koinonia realize how much you have helped my children?  I would send them to you with the church assistance - my children would come back with a reverence for God that is in their heart today.  So sending an email is a way to say thank you but just think of the years that the children grew up - moved on - stayed away from drugs - lead productive lives with Camp Koinonia as a major turning point - thank you.

Randy and Crew,

I wanted to thank all of you again for a truly unforgettable time.  It was an absolutely perfect three days (rain and all). 

To be honest, I was pretty nervous about going.  I love camping, but thinking about having to go with 75 students was nothing less than daunting.  Your staff made the entire experience something I can't wait to do again next year.

While I believe the students did learn some important skills (leadership, respect, teamwork, etc.) I too learned more about the kids I teach.  I got to see students perform acts I wasn't completely convinced they could or would accomplish.  I'm please to say they put those apprehensions to rest tenfold.  Thank you again for the opportunity.

The students had a great time.  They're a bit more bruised and muddy (especially muddy), but have come out richer people.  I know of at least one student who would love to come back next year.  That is if they didn't have to fail 10th grade to do so.  (He did consider the possibility though.)

In all seriousness, this was simply one of my most memorable experiences as a teacher.  I can only hope to experience anything remotely like it again.

Sincerely,

Mr. George Burke

Willoughby South H.S. - English

Proud Member of Group Manstackers

"Go, Manstackers!"