We are so excited to announce the publication of Gratitude: A Camp Laurel Cookbook. The cookbook is a fundraiser, with special family recipes submitted by our Camp Laurel supporters. We hope you will enjoy this very special book. Perfect gift for the holidays! To arrive before Christmas you must order before December 8, 2020.
Continuing our mission has never been so crucial. Our virtual programs have served as a vital tool to keep our campers and volunteers connected during this time of social distancing.
Launch Your Dreams was the first of our virtual day programs and guided campers on a journey of how to make their dreams come true. Campers created vision boards to help them picture their ideas and plan the steps they can take to make them a reality. Many campers came up with incredible ideas to support people in situations that our campers have faced or been affected by. One camper that has struggled with mental health designed a plan for writing/journaling kits that include pens, stickers, and positive affirmations and writing prompts for those struggling with mental health.
Athletics holds a special place in the heart of one of our campers. His dream is to open a gym for the best athletes from all over to come and train at.
Stray cats have found their way into the dreams of another one of our campers. His dream is to start a Foundation to find loving homes for stray cats, which he has already started in his own community!
With the support and encouragement of our volunteers, campers left the program feeling empowered and capable of making these dreams come true!
Ready to inspire the next generation? Join us for our next virtual program and support our campers! Volunteers must be 18 years old and pass our application and interview process.
Looking to participate: Email Andrea: ARodriguez@Laurel-Foundation.org
Summer Camp this year was virtual, and it was a HUGE success. We brought together our transgender/gender diverse campers and campers affected by HIV/AIDS from 10 different states for an experience that kept the true spirit of camp alive! When we first learned of in-person events being cancelled, we had to pull our entire team together to help us create a plan to keep serving our children, youth, and families. We knew that camp was often the only safe place for many of our campers; they needed each other, and they needed camp. So, with the help of our board of directors, volunteers, donors, staff and community members and the reminder that camp is centered from the heart, we began planning a virtual experience unlike any other!
The first step in making this camp experience possible was getting camp supplies and goodies to our campers. Thanks to our incredible donors and community, we were able to gather t-shirts, arts & crafts supplies, ingredients for cooking, and much more into Camp Bags to send to our campers! One of the parents mentioned how “seeing the excitement and light in their child’s eyes was everything” upon receiving the camp supplies. We knew more than ever that Camp Laurel was vital for our campers’ mental health.
We searched for facilitators from around the country to help create a virtual experience that would support our camper’s mental health, build support groups, teach the youth vital coping skills and most importantly that was a fun camp they would never forget. Campers were able to participate in our annual talent shows where they were able to express themselves in a safe space. This talent show is part of the camp traditions we do every year to build their confidence and allow them to feel safe performing and speaking in front of large groups. Gradually campers became more and more comfortable with themselves and each other so that they could build important peer connections and talk to one another about the adversities they face. It wasn’t long before they began to encourage each other to share their talents making the space inclusive, full of love, and safe for each camper to be themselves.
Another camp tradition that was kept alive in the virtual platform was doing make-up with professional experts at M.A.C.! This year our M.A.C. volunteers, we challenged our campers to do their own make-up while giving them tips and helpful advice. Seeing the final results, we could see the confidence had grown in our campers! In another program, our youth discussed the stigma and prejudices around being transgender with the support of volunteer mental health professionals. Not only were they able to express concerns and speak out about their own truths, but they also discussed positive ways to advocate for themselves and their community.
Cooking has always been a fun and enjoyable activity at camp, and we made it happen for virtual camp as well! Learning a new and healthy recipe allowed campers to gain independence, but they were also able to discuss healthy life-style choices and how it affects mental and physical health.
Our yoga session taught campers new yoga poses and stretches to stay active and healthy at home. We even had an expert graphic designer teach them how to draw caricatures and introduce them to a new kind of career path they can consider when they grow up.
All of these programs helped make this year’s summer camp a world of pure imagination where campers could come as they are, no filter necessary, support each other, grow and connect.
This summer, Camp Laurel continued its mission to empower youth, through a new virtual space where campers logged off camp everyday feeling inspired and believing that they had the power to thrive. We saw campers’ bravely step outside of their comfort zones and shine with the encouragement and love of their peers and their counselors. Camp may have been different this year, but it did not stop the Camp Laurel spirit, tradition, or mission from living on! This was definitely a summer camp for the books, and we could not have done it without the support and help of our volunteers, board of directors, donors, and staff. Thank you ALL for helping empower children, youth and families affected by HIV/AIDS and transgender/gender diverse youth!
The holidays are coming! Please select Camp Laurel Foundation on for your AmazonSmile charity. With each purchase you make a percentage will be donated by Amazon to our organization!
O Bitcoin, uma criptomoeda descentralizada e pioneira no mercado, tem ganhado popularidade como um sistema de pagamento alternativo em diversos setores. Nos últimos anos, os cassinos online também começaram a adotar o Bitcoin como uma forma de pagamento para jogadores que buscam mais segurança, anonimato e velocidade em suas transações financeiras. Neste artigo, exploraremos como o Bitcoin funciona como sistema de pagamento para cassinos online, seus benefícios e desafios.
O que é o Bitcoin?
O Bitcoin é uma moeda digital criada em 2009 por um indivíduo (ou grupo) conhecido como Satoshi Nakamoto. Diferente das moedas tradicionais, o Bitcoin não é controlado por nenhum governo ou instituição financeira central, mas sim por uma rede descentralizada de computadores, usando tecnologia blockchain. A blockchain é um registro público e imutável de todas as transações de Bitcoin já realizadas.
Como Funciona o Bitcoin nos Cassinos Online?
Para usar o Bitcoin como forma de pagamento em um cassino online, os jogadores precisam ter uma carteira digital, onde suas moedas são armazenadas. Existem diferentes tipos de carteiras, como carteiras online, software, hardware e até mesmo carteiras de papel.
Ao efetuar um depósito em um cassino online que aceita Bitcoin, os jogadores selecionam essa opção como método de pagamento e recebem um endereço exclusivo da carteira do cassino para enviar os fundos. As transações de Bitcoin são rápidas, geralmente processadas em poucos minutos, e o jogador pode começar a jogar imediatamente.
Da mesma forma, quando os jogadores desejam sacar seus ganhos, o processo é simples. Eles solicitam o saque para sua carteira de Bitcoin, e o cassino envia os fundos para o endereço fornecido. Essas transações normalmente levam pouco tempo para serem concluídas, oferecendo maior agilidade em comparação com métodos tradicionais de saque.
Vantagens do Bitcoin como Sistema de Pagamento
Anonimato e Privacidade: As transações de Bitcoin não exigem que os jogadores forneçam informações pessoais, proporcionando um alto nível de anonimato e privacidade.
Segurança: O Bitcoin utiliza criptografia avançada e a tecnologia blockchain para garantir que as transações sejam seguras e transparentes.
Velocidade de Transação: As transações de Bitcoin são processadas rapidamente, permitindo que os jogadores tenham acesso instantâneo aos seus fundos e jogos favoritos.
Sem Taxas Elevadas: Ao contrário de algumas opções tradicionais de pagamento, o Bitcoin geralmente possui taxas de transação mais baixas.
Acesso Global: O Bitcoin é uma moeda digital global e não está vinculado a nenhum país específico, possibilitando que jogadores de diferentes partes do mundo participem de cassinos online que aceitam Bitcoin.
Desafios e Considerações
Embora o Bitcoin ofereça muitas vantagens como sistema de pagamento para cassinos online, existem alguns desafios a serem considerados:
Volatilidade: O valor do Bitcoin é conhecido por ser altamente volátil, o que pode afetar o saldo dos jogadores se houver grandes mudanças no preço.
Conhecimento Técnico: Para usar o Bitcoin, os jogadores precisam entender como funciona o sistema de carteiras e transações, o que pode ser um obstáculo para alguns.
Regulamentação: Em alguns países, a regulamentação em torno do uso do Bitcoin ainda não está clara, o que pode gerar incertezas legais.
Conclusão
O Bitcoin como sistema de pagamento https://casinosonline-portugal.com/metodos-de-deposito/bitcoin/ para cassinos online oferece benefícios significativos em termos de anonimato, segurança, velocidade e acessibilidade global. No entanto, é importante que os jogadores estejam cientes dos riscos associados à volatilidade do Bitcoin e que estejam confortáveis com o uso dessa tecnologia. Enquanto mais cassinos online adotam o Bitcoin como opção de pagamento, é essencial pesquisar e escolher plataformas confiáveis e licenciadas para uma experiência de jogo segura e agradável.
Rainbow began volunteering at The Laurel Foundation in 2019 and makes it a point to be at as many of our events as she can. Not only does she set an excellent example for our campers, but always asks fellow volunteers how she can help them. Rainbow will be joining us for her first Winter Family Camp this February!
When asked why she volunteers with The Laurel Foundation, Rainbow responded: “I volunteer because I firmly believe in its Mission Statement and to give back to the kids, empowering them to accept themselves just as they are.”
We also asked Rainbow about her favorite memory from camp: “My favorite memory of camp involved the Talent Show. When we were asking who wanted to participate, one of the campers, who initially said she didn’t want to perform, changed their mind and decided to perform after receiving encouragement from her counselors and fellow campers. To see a camper having the courage to do something they didn’t think they could do, is a wonderful sight to behold.”
Thank you Rainbow for the love and commitment you show to the kids, families, and organization. We are so lucky to have you as a member of the Camp Laurel family!
This past summer camp, Camp Laurel was surprised with a visit from America’s Got Talent – Brody Ray. Here is a song that he sang to our campers at this past weeks transgender/gender diverse camp. Thank you Brody for your love and inspiration. You are an angel! We ❤️ you!
Plinko is not just a game; it’s a gambling adventure where every step you take can lead to a big win. It’s based on a simple principle: a ball launched from the top of a pyramid falls down, bouncing off pegs, and eventually lands in one of the prize compartments. Players may enjoy the unpredictability and excitement of watching each bounce of the ball, as well as the opportunity to win large sums of real money by placing bets at an online plinko casino.
To start playing Plinko in an online casino, you first need to create an account on the casino website, choose a convenient payment method, and make a deposit. If you already have an account, simply search for “Plinko” in the casino’s search bar. After that, just click on the button to start the game and immerse yourself in the world of gambling, where every bounce can bring you luck.
How does the plinko online game work?
The basic principle of Plinko game is that the player launches a ball from the top of a pyramid, which then falls down, bouncing off a series of pegs. Each bounce adds an element of randomness, making the final result unpredictable. Players bet on which compartment the ball will stop in, with different compartments having different payout ratios.
History of the Plinko game
The game of Plinko first saw the light of day on the American television show “The Price Is Right” in 1983. Since then, it has become one of the most recognizable and beloved games on the show, thanks to its simplicity and exciting gameplay. The popularity of the television version has led to Plinko becoming known worldwide, and its principles have been adapted for online casinos. Today, Plinko in online format is hugely popular among plinko gambling players, offering them the chance to test their luck and win plinko real money.
Can you really win money in Plinko gambling?
Recently, numerous rumors on Reddit and other online platforms have labeled Plinko as a scam. However, it’s important to clarify that Plinko does indeed pay out real money. The game operates on a provably fair system, ensuring that the outcomes are verifiable and transparent. Players can win legitimate money through Plinko Gambling, provided the platform they are using adheres to this provably fair protocol.
Winning at Plinko, like any gambling game, largely depends on luck. However, there are strategies and tips that can help increase your chances of success:
Bankroll management: It’s important to determine your bet size in accordance with your overall budget and not risk too much of your funds in a single game. This will help avoid quickly exhausting your funds and increase your chances of winning in the long run.
Choosing a version of the game with a high RTP: Games with a high return to player percentage (RTP) usually offer better conditions for winning. Study the different versions of Plinko available at online casinos and choose the one that offers the most favorable conditions.
Using betting strategies: Some players prefer to use betting strategies, such as increasing the bet after a loss or win, to optimize their chances. However, remember that no strategy guarantees a win, and it’s important to use them with caution.
Playing for fun: Remember that the main purpose of gambling is entertainment. Don’t pursue big wins at the expense of enjoying the process. Knowing when to stop is the key to responsible gaming.
By following these recommendations, you can enjoy playing Plinko, minimizing risks and increasing your chances of winning. It’s important to remember that success in gambling cannot be guaranteed, and it’s crucial to approach the game responsibly.
Playing Plinko Casino Game Real Money – best strategies
To maximize enjoyment of playing Plinko and increase your chances of boosting your balance, players can resort to various strategies. Here are some proven approaches that will help you with this:
Martingale strategy: This strategy involves doubling your bet after each loss in order to recover losses with a single win. Start with a small bet, and if you lose, double your bet in the next round. As soon as you win, return to the original bet. This strategy requires a significant bankroll and discipline not to get carried away.
Level changing strategy: In Plinko, you can choose different numbers of levels (or pegs) through which the ball will fall. By changing the number of levels, you also change the volatility of the game. Start with a low volatility level (more levels), which will provide more frequent but smaller wins. As your bankroll increases, you can experiment with high volatility levels (fewer levels), which offer large wins but less frequently.
Bet distribution strategy: Divide your bankroll into multiple small bets to increase the number of attempts and, accordingly, the chances of winning. Using this strategy allows you to reduce the risk of losing a large amount at once and provides a longer playing time.
Winter Family Camp 2018 took us back to Camp Stevens in Julian, California. The camp was led by past camper (now counselor) “Button” who came back to serve as our Program Director for her second winter camp in a row. Button thoughtfully crafted this camp’s theme, “Ohana”, emphasizing the importance of family, both given and chosen, during the four day camp. “Ohana” celebrated the beauty of Native Hawaiian and Polynesian culture’s love of families. Winter camp was not only fun, but provided campers so many growth opportunities throughout the weekend, whether it was trying something new for the first time, making new friends, or gaining independence through choosing their own free choice activities.
On the first day of camp, families were welcomed with a delicious homemade pizza lunch, made from the ingredients of Camp Steven’s garden. Families then went off to their cabin groups to unpack and get to know each other. Many of our younger campers experienced their first night “away” from their parents – their first step into independence. Many of our older campers reconnected with old friends and helped guide other campers through their first day. Our parents were excited to have a break from their kids and enjoyed having time to connect. Connections and a sense of support is a valuable outcome of our parent programming at family camp. Thank you counselors for watching the kids so the parents can have this valuable time to connect with one another! After dinner, campers gathered in front of the dining hall for our opening program; A Night Under the Stars. Campers spent the night finding constellations through a telescope, mapping constellations with shadow boxes, and learning the history of constellations and greek mythology. Our CIT’s exercised their leadership skills through acting out traditional star stories, allowing younger campers to step outside of their comfort zone and explore their acting skills. Campers also had a lot of fun preparing their camp counselors for a trek into space, dressing them up in the most appropriate space clothing and giving them tips on their moonwalks.
The next morning campers enjoyed a morning full of family time. Families were able to leave their cabin groups to sit with their families and start their days together. After breakfast, first period was family hour. Family hour was a new favorite addition to camp program allowing families to spend quality time together and reconnect away from their normal routines of life down the mountain. Campers were able to rotate around activities like kite flying, piñata making, rocket launching, and sports.
We were also joined by a few special visitors throughout the weekend who provided specialty programs that allowed campers time to develop coping skills, try new things, and work collaboratively through exploration. Ready came up as an arts and crafts facilitator and taught the campers how to make lava lamps. Penguin led yoga, a very welcomed hour of relaxation and mindfulness for all of our campers but especially our parents. Chef and Frenchie surprised our campers and taught them how to make toffee and marshmallows. The campers were excited to have an extra sweet treat that day but our parents were even more excited to try Chef’s specialty: cheesecake! The night ended with a classic evening program: Family Feud! In their cabin groups, campers had to work together to find the top answers to the surveys! Try as they may, no one was able to beat the Moms and Tots, who took home the win!
On the last day of program, campers woke up to find it was snowing! This was the first time many of our and volunteers had ever experienced snow. Camper spent the rest of the day enjoying all of their camp activities with a little extra chill! That night at final campfire we were very excited to give out two very special awards! Our Apollo Award went to long time camper, Morgan! This award was extra special because Morgan was able to receive it from her long time mentor, Giggles. The second award went to a first time camper but long time dad, Brandon! He received the parent award for his spirit at camp. Campers went home feeling the love from every member of their Camp Laurel family.
We also would like to give an extra special shout out to our camper, Johnny, who took 90% of the photographs at camp. We are excited that camp has led Johnny to discover a true talent and eye for photography. Thank you for capturing all those magical growth moments at camp, Johnny!
We are so glad you found your special talent and are so grateful for all the beautiful photos you took!
The Laurel Foundation would like to extend a huge congratulations and thank you to our 2018 Volunteer of the year:
Mako!
Mako began volunteering at The Laurel Foundation in 2016. Since then, he has shown the utmost dedication to The Laurel Foundation programs, mission, and campers who we serve. Over the past couple of years Mako has given a record number of hours to The Laurel Foundation programs. He truly is a volunteer we can always count on to help in any way he can! Not only has Mako volunteered at our resident camp programs, but also has been to several fundraisers and day events that help support our campers and raise funding for our programs.
When asked about his volunteer experience, Mako said: “Volunteering with camp is one of the best impulse decisions Ive ever made!. Camp lets you help youth grow while having the wacky, fun kind of camp experience you probably wished you had when you were a kid.”
Thank you Mako for the dedication you show to The Laurel Foundation programs, campers, and families. We are truly lucky to have you as volunteer and a member of the Camp Laurel family!
