Remembering Michael Skinner

January 5, 2009

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of one of Camp JRA's most wonderful and dynamic members, Michael Skinner.

Michael passed away on Tuesday, December 16th in an automobile accident in Philadelphia.

Michael (aka his Camp nickname Monkey) is a true example of what Camp JRA’s mission is all about. One of the earliest campers to take part in the program, Michael joined Camp JRA in 1997 at the age of 10. Michael quickly made his mark at Camp JRA, befriending many fellow campers and staff by being a respectful, fun-loving and kind camper.

Over the past 11 years at Camp JRA, Michael grew with the program. His open heart and love of his Camp JRA family showed through his dedication to Camp. Michael was always able to tell his story of living with juvenile arthritis, even from a young age, to help and guide his fellow campers struggling with similar challenges. Simply put, he made everyone feel loved and at home at Camp JRA.

Remembering Michael Skinner from Camp JRA on Vimeo.
After graduating from the camper role, Michael became a counselor-in-training at Camp JRA. Once he turned 18, he then became an outstanding counselor for several years. Michael’s leadership growth continued and he then became a member of the Camp JRA Fellowship Planning Committee. In this senior leadership role he was a Counselor-In-Training manager, guiding and mentoring Camp JRA’s next generation of leaders, just as he had been mentored in his own days as a CIT.

There are countless stories of Michael’s years at Camp JRA… times such as his pranking the camp by having “rabies,” his powerful snoring ability, Mike’s competition in the boat races as a 300 warrior, his favorite Camp song “Bazooka Bubblegum,” playing the part of Jimmy Rollins, and most notably, by being the only person to beat Paul in the pudding eating contest.

One of the camper’s quotes on their camp evaluation said it best:
“Monkey is the man!”

Michael always glowed… always smiled… always shined.

Michael made an impact on hundreds of campers and counselors over the many years he took part in Camp JRA.

Should you be able to attend,
The Memorial Service will be held on:
Tuesday, December 23 at 11:00 a.m.
Christian Stronghold Baptist Church
4701 Lancaster Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa. 19131
Phone: (215) 877-1530
The church is located near Girard Avenue

Cards, letters and notes of encouragement may be sent to:
Mr. Michael Skinner, Sr.
623 Green Hill Road
Sharon Hill, PA 19079

We will be holding a remembrance ceremony for Michael at Camp JRA next summer. Additionally, we may be organizing a memorial event sooner than next summer for the Camp JRA family.

Camp JRA will continue despite this tremendous, tremendous loss. Michael’s legacy to Camp JRA will be unending. He has inspired so many of us to be stronger, and more loving… no matter what challenges life throws our way.

With much love and sorrow,

All of us at Camp JRA