Get Her to Band Camp!
*Update!
We attended an informational picnic yesterday for parents and participants and I learned that there are several other costs involved that I initially was not informed of. I have increased the goal mark because it is a substantial amount when all added and I am feeling more and more like she may not be able to do this due to the sheer cost of it. We did not prepare for this because we did not know that it was an option and with payment deadlines looming we are going to be doing whatever we can go get funds together. I thank those that have already donated, and to those that can't, please do not feel bad or stress. Sharing this around and getting the word out is JUST as important as donating. We know that not everybody can donate and we appreciate all efforts that are made!
Well it seems our little girl is growing up some more! That isn't just my little girl, but your's as well. They say that it takes a village to raise a child, and throughout my twelve years with her, I can definitely confirm that statement. Without the help of family and friends in past situations with both her and her brothers, we would be lost. That is why we are all here, to help each other, and whether it is monetarily, physically, or however needed, we all do our parts.
Most of those reading this were either part of or wished to be part of the marching band in high school. I was personally part of it and it has left me with warm memories to this day. Our daughter, Naoki, has been presented with an opportunity to join marching band next year as an 8th grade student. She was given the decision to make herself as to if she wanted to attempt marching or not, and after giving it some thought, she has decided to dive in and learn how to swim.
All that being said, she has to go to band camp. (Please hold your jokes until the end folks!) It is a requirement that she attend if she wishes to be a part of the marching band. Camp is generally where you will learn your show for the year as well as get to know your fellow band members and instructors. It is also expensive.
This time last year we were asking for help to get our water turned back on, and whereas we are in better financial standing than we were then, this is nothing we can afford on our own. I have often said that I will go to the ends of the earth to give my children what they want if I think it will help them. I have no doubt that this will benefit our little girl, but only if we can afford to get her there.
I am already taking jobs out of my home to supplement our income until we are fully back on track. Most people know that I don't get out much anymore other than to do grocery shopping or other things for the home. We have pretty much nothing of an entertainment budget so as to be able to pay our bills and make ends meet. We have had to resort to family for holidays and birthdays to just keep clothes on the kids! Our tax return went mostly to bills and replaceds some broken down things in the home as well as gave our daughter the few gifts we told her would come a couple of months after Christmas. We have no savings. The only state aid we receive is WIC and that is only for our son. We are trying, but no matter what we try, we still haven't figured out the magical equation.
My hope is to raise the money to send her to camp comfortably. Camp itself is $400, however she is also in need of a new pair of shoes that are good for twelve hour days on the field as well as clothing that is comfortable and cool in our humid Michigan summers since she has very little in the way of summer clothing but usually makes do by wearing her winter items for the short summer. I have set our goal at $550 in the hopes of getting her to camp with some clothes, shoes, and maybe even a few dollars in her own pocket should she need it. (She is also taking art commissions of her own in the hopes of having some cash on hand so if you are interested, shoot me a message!) If we go over that goal, the money will be used to get her new items for caring for her clarinet (her case is breaking down so that is a priority), or in the event that a ridiculous amount over the goal is raised, we will invest in getting her a nicer clarinet than the one she has now.*
I am thanking everybody in advance for any and all help you can offer. If you can't offer monetarily, share the link on your social media in the hopes of signal boosting to get this girl where she needs to be. She has gone through so much in her twelve years from the losses of her grandfather and baby brother, to moving schools twice now, to moving homes, to the near divorce of her parents, and living an entire Michigan summer without running water in the home. (Those are just the most recent things!) She has had few things come easy for her, but knows full well that things could be worse. She has been placed in all advanced courses next year, some of which count as high school credits. She knows that we won't have anything to help her with financially for college and has stated that she intends to look for a job as soon as she is legally able to at age 14 so as to be able to ease things around here as well as to hopefully save something for college. She is a bit of an overachiever, an amazing artist, an amazing musician, and an overall great kid. Please help get her where she wants to go!
*We are thankful to J and D for her current clarinet. We have never forgotten where it came from, how it was acquired, or the enthusiasm in getting this little girl into band. However it is over 30 years old and has its quirks that can be trying at times. We love you both and hope that in the future we can pass this clarinet down to a certain angel that we all know and love.
And for those that have been dying to make said jokes... you may NOW make those jokes in the comments. I look forward to some chuckles!
