In Susie Dubois grew up as a camp kid. Camp was a formative part of her childhood—something she and her husband, Justin, hoped their children would one day experience. But for a time, that dream felt out of reach. Due to circumstances beyond their control, the Dubois family believed camp wasn’t in the cards.
Harlan on Belden Pond in 2024.
It would take the power of community—and the strength of a friendship—for them to find their way to Ferncliff.
Living in Little Rock, the Dubois family—Susie, Justin, and their two children, Harlan and Malcolm—had grown close to the school nurse at Roberts Elementary, where the kids attended. Because Harlan has Type 1 diabetes, the family relied on the nurse, Jaime Gill, for both care and support.
Harlan’s diagnosis was what made camp feel impossible. As a mother, Susie couldn’t imagine sending her young daughter into the woods for a week with such a critical medical condition.
Malcolm on the climbing wall.
But Nurse Jaime could. She volunteered as a summer nurse at Ferncliff and knew firsthand that Harlan could get the care she needed. She also knew what Susie already believed: that every child deserves a chance to experience camp.
Jaime introduced the Dubois family to Ferncliff—and with the trust they’d built, Susie and Justin said yes.
Today, coming to camp has become a family tradition. Harlan and Malcolm are regular overnight campers each summer, and each summer they reunite at Ferncliff with cousins from across the country.
“All year, my cousins and I talk about how excited we are for Ferncliff,” Harlan said. “I make new friends every year, and we have so much fun doing activities.”
And their dad? Justin now volunteers alongside Jaime as a camp nurse each summer—giving back so other kids can have the same opportunity.
The legacy Susie hoped to pass on is thriving. As Malcolm recently shared: “Ferncliff has given me more than experiences. It’s given me lifelong memories, friendships that feel like family, and a love for the outdoors.”
Ferncliff is able to create these life-changing experiences because of generous supporters like you. Thank you for helping families find belonging here and giving children like Harlan and Malcolm the chance to come to camp.
Top photo: Susie, Harlan, Malcolm, and Justin Dubois lift ceremonial shovels at the groundbreaking of the new Ferncliff Commons on April 18, 2025. The Commons will be completed in 2025 and serve as a program space and dining hall for campers.