Sep 25, 2008 10:04 am US/Pacific
Paddling Adventures for HIV-Positive Teens
Jefferson Award Winner: Juliet Starrett
It's a summer kayaking camp. But it's so much more than a vacation. It's where college business major who calls herself "T" need not live undercover.
"When you're here, you can just be you, be who you want to be," T says confidently.
She and other teenagers at Liquid kayaking camp in Placer County are all HIV-positive.
"Very few of them are out at their schools," explains attorney Juliet Starrett. "Their peers don't know they have HIV. They can't tell people, so in addition to having this horrible illness, they're in this situation in their lives where they're in hiding."
So to give the kids a place where they can have fun being themselves, Juliet started Liquid camp for HIV-positive teens five years ago. She and her husband Kelly combine a passion for kayaking with compassion for young people.
During the one-week camp, more than a dozen teens from all over the nation experience a transformation under the leadership of Juliet, a former river guide.
She says, "A lot of these kids have literally never been in the water except in their own shower. And to see them get over and conquer that, but at the end of the week, to see them kayak down Class II rapids, it's extremely empowering for them."
"It gives you a whole another level of self esteem," says T. "Being able to accomplish anything, it's not easy, it's hard. But once you get it done, you say 'I did this?' I can do something else!"
For the kids who come to camp, the week is more than about fun and learning. It's also about leaning on each other. The kids learn they're not alone.
"We really become a family," says Juliet's uncle and volunteer counselor Rich Starrett.
He says the young people bond as a team, battling their illness and their weaknesses together.
"If someone's upside down, another boat can come in to them and they can grab onto them and flip them up, right themselves if they don't know how to roll. Usually the counselors are doing that, the kids are doing that right now, and they're helping each other out," Rich explains.
T is a three-year veteran of Liquid camp and says the supportive friendships grow and flourish long after summer is over.
"I love you, Juliet!" she calls out. "Thank you!"
"We feel like we've touched this community in a cool way," Juliet adds.
For providing summer adventures where HIV-positive teens can be themselves and gain confidence in their abilities, this week's Jefferson Award in the Bay Area goes to Juliet Starrett.
