A single spark can ignite a fire. A moment of connection, a word of encouragement, or simply showing up—these small acts can transform a child’s future.
“As camp staff, you have the chance to be a role model, to show these kids that there is another way. It’s easy to take that for granted, but we shouldn’t. That 72-hour experience can shape the rest of their year, their interactions at school, and whether they take advantage of the opportunities in front of them,” Gil Green III offered this insight to attendees of the recent Camp Catch-Up Volunteer Appreciation Event.
Gil’s Story: A Place to Belong
When Gil Green III entered foster care at 14, he and his siblings were separated and placed into temporary care. Like many large families involved in the system, the six siblings were placed in three different foster homes, splitting their bond in ways beyond their control.
The reality of foster care means that siblings are often separated—not by choice, but due to the system’s constraints and the shortage of foster families willing to take in multiple children. Maintaining parental relationships becomes the focus, and sibling bonds are often a casualty of the situation.
That’s where Camp Catch-Up enters the picture.
Camp Catch-Up temporarily removes the barriers that separate siblings and provides them a place to be together—a place to belong. According to Gil, it wasn’t just about spending time together—it was about being themselves, free from the pressures of supervised visits and the uncertainty of foster care. At camp, Gil and his siblings experienced a rare opportunity—uninterrupted time to bond. The talent shows, team-building exercises, and late-night conversations were more than just activities; they were lifelines to a sense of normalcy and connection.
The Role of Camp Staff
After a year in the system, Gil and his siblings found their way to Camp Catch-Up.
From the start, camp staff made an impact—not just as supervisors but as mentors and cheerleaders.
“The camp staff permanently changed my life from that day forward,” Gil shares. “It was a huge relief to be able to be with my family and to be comfortable with my family. The staff were so good to us,” Gil shared. “My first memory was our camp counselor, Mookie. Mookie, who went down the waterslide with us—even though he hated water! He just did it for us. That moment meant everything.”
Camp staff create an environment where children can reconnect, build trust, and heal. They step into a role these kids desperately need—someone who listens, understands, believes in them, and likes to have a little fun.
“These kids can seem difficult, but that’s just them crying out for help.” Green shared. “A lot of times, people don’t understand that. Teachers see it. They know these kids have issues at home. They know something’s going on. These kids aren’t personally attacking anyone—they’re crying out for help. And too often, those cries go unheard.”
At Camp Catch-Up, those cries are heard.
The impact of Camp Catch-Up extends far beyond the few days spent at camp. For many kids, it’s the only time they see their siblings. For Gil, one year, all eleven of his (full, half, and step) siblings attended camp together—an opportunity they had never had after being separated.
A New Perspective on the Future
Camp Catch-Up didn’t just reconnect Gil with his siblings—it changed his outlook on life. Before camp, he thought success was limited to extremes: either achieving fame or succumbing to the struggles familiar to youth who’ve experienced trauma. Now, he reflects on the important role that Camp Catch-Up staff played in showing him another path in life.
“I realized I didn’t have to be the person who thought the system was out to get me. I didn’t have to believe that my only options were dealing drugs or being famous. Camp showed me that success could be something else.”
Through his involvement with Camp Catch-Up, Gil was connected with other prevention services through Nebraska Children and Families Foundation (Nebraska Children), including the Connected Youth Initiative. At the time, Gil was involved in Project Everlast, a statewide youth-led initiative for individuals aged 14-26. As a teenager, Gil became a key member of the group, serving on both the North Platte and statewide councils. His dedication as an advocate for disconnected youth in Nebraska earned him the Spotlight Gala Award from Voices for Children, gaining statewide and national recognition.
“I discovered I didn’t need to ‘get out’ the way I thought I did. I could be a normal person, take things step-by-step, and create a future I was proud of, taking as much time as I needed.”
Help Someone Win the Race – One Step at a Time
Transitioning out of the system wasn’t easy, but Camp Catch-Up had instilled a sense of resilience and hope in Gil. “It gave me the strength to pursue stability, to build a family of my own, and to break the cycle of trauma that threatened to define my future.”
Today, married with three children, Gil is actively involved in his church and community, grateful for the foundation that Camp Catch-Up provided. However, he recognizes that many youth in care don’t have access to such opportunities.
“Many of my friends from the system struggled—some turned to drugs, others ended up in and out of jail. I don’t know where I would be without Camp Catch-Up. I know for certain that I would have struggled a lot more with the trauma I had,” Gil shared. “It (Camp Catch-Up) was like a life raft in a raging river. It gave me a chance to breathe, to slow down, and to see that I had options.”
“These campers don’t need people with perfect lives. They need a foundation that is real, that doesn’t make them feel anxious or insecure. Most of us are inherently insecure due to the nature of our situation. We are coming from trauma. Camp Catch-Up gives us an opportunity to be something else,” Gil shared.
To those considering volunteering or supporting Camp Catch-Up, Gil has a powerful message:
“Your impact on these kids can be monumental. Every single interaction you have with them is an opportunity to remind them that they aren’t alone, that they have family, and that they can take life one step at a time.”
Now, Gil encourages others to step up and become camp staff. “It opened my eyes to possibilities—that success isn’t defined by external measures but by the relationships we nurture and the positive impact we can have on our communities.”
Camp Catch-Up: Where Lives Are Transformed
Camp Catch-Up isn’t just a camp. It’s a place where lives change, possibilities open, and the spark of hope turns into a fire that lasts a lifetime.
“Now I understand that success isn’t defined just in extremes. It’s interactions you have with people and the things you are doing in your life outside of everything else,” shares Gil. “It’s what can you do to give. What can you do to take care of your community? What can you do to be a part of a community? I had never seen that before. I had just seen that the world is against me, the world is against my family. Camp changed everything for me.”
You Can Become a Spark
In just three days, you can change a child’s life forever. At Camp Catch-Up, staff members do more than supervise—they inspire, encourage, and create a safe space where siblings can reconnect and kids can be kids. Every shared meal, every late-night campfire, and every moment of understanding has the power to shape a camper’s future.
If you are looking for a way to make a lasting impact, consider joining our team or passing this opportunity to someone who would make a great mentor. Your time at camp could be the turning point in a child’s life—the spark that ignites their confidence, hope, and belief in a brighter future.
Become a Staff Member | Become a Supporter
More About Camp Catch-Up
The impact of Camp Catch-Up extends far beyond the few days spent at camp. For many kids, it’s the only time they see their siblings.
Camp Catch-Up was started by Nebraska Children and Families Foundation in 2003 to offer youth in foster care, guardianship, or adoptive placements a no-cost opportunity to spend quality time with their brothers and sisters. These kids, ages 8-19, meet up with their siblings in a relaxed and fun summer camp environment where they can take a break from the stresses of everyday life.
Spark the Fire that Lasts a Lifetime
Beyond serving as camp staff, you can bring Camp Catch-Up to even more children. Please donate today and help us create more moments of joy and connection at Camp Catch-Up.
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Nebraska Children’s mission is to create positive change for Nebraska’s children through community engagement.
Growing the Good Life 
[…] Gil Green III traveled across the state to share how Camp Catch-Up—and the volunteers who supported him—left a lasting impact on his life. […]