My Camp Kulaqua Experience

Hello my name isYaritza Aragones . I first would like to extend my condolences to the families that have felt loss . I am now 34 years old and remember as a young child visiting Camp Kulaqua. We were going tubbing with my father and a group of people in a section that is now closed off. 

I recall feeling fear not knowing how to swim but my father was with me. Everything was ok , until my father & some men needed to help save a rather large laddy that was drowning behind us. I knew this was a very deep river &  I could no swim I felt scared as I saw the men attempting to help this laddy. During this ordeal I was alone & I remember the current  steering me to the left where it was swampy & for a young child ,pretty scary. I recall seeing a black ,red & yellow striped snake pass right by me, I was so scared I don't remember how I  sank right down the the middle of my tube. I tried to go up but all I felt Cave walls. I didn't  know what was up or down. I was drowning , & no one knew it. I thought My father was helping someone & I was drowning !!! 

I don't know how long I was down there struggling for my life. I felt panic , fear, confusion ,helpless & I remember opening  my eyes under the water .Threw the foggy water  I thought I saw an Alligator move swiftly  under a cave like wall right across from me. I blacked out after that. 

All I remember next was A man by the name of Joseph must have grabbed me by my hair & pulled me out. He said "thank God for that crazy hair you have ,if not for that I don't know how I would have gotten you". Thank you God ! For protecting me that day. 

I never talked about this until now ,or ever mentioned what I thought I seen that day.

 Years later I returned to Camp Kulaqua. Everyone was praying and singing in the Chapel . 

I felt the need to be alone for a little. I walked down the hill to lay down on the grass next to the dock by The river. 

I felt such peace , a silent calm filled me. The trees danced & the wind sang.

 I felt the presence of something grand all I know it was an amazing Spiritual Energy. 

I here they call that Nirvana, Awareness. 

Whatever it was it was ,This place is very special & I can't wait to go back there.

Thanks for allowing me to share a very special experience.

Yaritza Aragones 

Camp Kulaqua , High Springs Fl.