In their own words
“It’s more than just performing — it’s about teamwork, growth, and joy.”
Rob & Kelly Petras, Parents & Sponsor
No one tells our story better than the families who live it. Here’s what they have to say about camp, the stage, and the CCC Shines family. #CCCShines
CCC is community. CCC is family. CCC is love. CCC Shines has not only given my 3 girls life, it has shaped it.
A few years ago, my youngest was facing a very dire time. Days and months in the hospital when I could not be with the other two. CCC kept them happy, strong and feeling special. It stood with them and supported us. Now that little one stands among them on stage supported with the love and prayers around her.
Mrs. AK and Mr. Brac lead by example, putting faith and kindness first. We are forever grateful for the home it has created for us. Shine on.
Christmas Eve with our CCC family has become one of our favorite traditions! When everyone settles down from the busy season and our family comes together to celebrate Mass and sing the beautiful songs, we feel truly blessed. Seeing our children on the altar with their friends is the perfect way to recognize the gifts that we have been given. We look forward to it every year!
Christmas Eve with CCC Shines is one of my favorite family Christmas traditions. My daughter has been an active member of the CCC Shines Christmas Choir since she was 5 years old. Each year, we gather in the St. Kevin Gym, which has been beautifully transformed into a special place, to hear the children sing.
The feeling of joy that comes when seeing so many children sharing their faith through song is unparalleled. In a world where we are often rushing, this tradition truly allows for pause and remembrance of what the season of Christmas is all about.
My 6-year-old son was initially excited to sign up for Shrek JR’s children’s chorus, but soon afterward, he had a bout of stage fright and was very unhappy about it. The wonderful production staff at CCC Shines encouraged us to have him stick with it as part of their “Encourage Courage” motto, and week after week he developed more and more confidence.
I could not believe how wonderfully at ease he was in front of stage lights, in front of a huge audience and 100 other kids on stage with him, singing and moving around on stage with no hesitation. The rehearsal process CCC Shines implements helps encourage your kids to share their gifts. I could not have been happier with it and hope to have him continue in any future shows he wants to be in.
The cast members of Shrek JR were so unbelievably talented for their ages, and the costumes, set, stage direction, etc., are all at such a high level, it really is extraordinary. ♥
Our family absolutely loves the CCC Shines program! From the moment we joined, it has been such a positive and uplifting experience. The friendships our child has made and the sense of community within the program are truly special. The staff is incredibly supportive, kind, and dedicated — they take the time to understand each student and help them shine both on and off the stage.
What stands out most is how beautifully the program nurtures confidence and creativity while teaching a real understanding and appreciation for theatre. It’s more than just performing — it’s about teamwork, growth, and joy. We are so grateful to be a part of the CCC Shines family!
Both of my kids spent the rest of the summer singing the songs they learned. Best camp of the summer!
Having my children be part of CCC Shines has been such a rewarding experience for them as well as for our whole family. It is such a joy to watch them grow from their first rehearsal to their final performance of a production. As a parent, seeing them shine so brightly on stage means everything. Not only are they growing and learning in their singing, dancing and acting skills, but they are also learning what it means to be part of something bigger than themselves.
They can feel the dedication and love from the staff and volunteers around them, as well as from their fellow cast-mates. CCC has provided the opportunity for our children to make new friends, not only from their schools but from schools all around the area. One thing we truly value is the time before rehearsal, when Mr. Brac and Mrs. AK share meaningful lessons on friendship and kindness. It is an honor to be part of the CCC Shines family.
My daughter absolutely loved camp! We only did one session, but she came out every day with a big smile on her face. Every night, her favorite part of the day was camp. I can’t say enough about it! She already asked me to do the spring show before it was announced, and also told me she wants to do 2 camps next summer.
Also, I could seriously compare the car line to Chick-fil-A. Everything was running so smoothly, and all the counselors were happy and friendly, getting the kids in and out of the car. It’s just such a wonderful program all around, and it says a lot when you have so many returning as counselors.
For 11 summers, CCC has been my daughter’s home away from home. She has grown as a performer, a friend, and a mentor over the years, and it has been incredible to watch. I’m grateful for the confidence and love this program has given to her.
As a parent, I can’t say enough wonderful things about CCC. What started as an interest in musical theater has become so much more for our family. The CCC program has built not only my children’s performance skills, but also their confidence, creativity, and sense of belonging. The environment CCC has created is truly special — it’s safe, positive, and incredibly encouraging. The staff bring out the best in every child, helping them grow and shine both on and off the stage.
My kids absolutely love coming to every practice and performance and event, and it’s amazing to watch them light up with pride and joy in what they’re doing. CCC isn’t just about theater — it’s about character, teamwork, and self-expression. We are so grateful for the community they’ve built and the positive impact it’s had on our children. They love it, and so do we!
This was our first summer and we had the best experience! My daughter keeps saying she wants to go back and is disappointed she needs to wait until next summer to start.
We are thrilled to be part of the CCC Shines family! All staff, from supervisory to counselors and volunteers, are amazing, and we felt safe and confident sending our kids here. Our children were greeted with a smile and a warm welcome each day, and we are blessed to have this faith-based organization in our backyard. Our kids are still requesting show tunes to belt out on our weekly drives to the shore. We tell all of our friends about CCC and love watching it continue to grow. Thank you all!
Beauty and the Beast was amazing! We saw it twice, so we could see our granddaughter perform on Thursday and Saturday. I’m in awe of the work that you do and all of the talented kids. So grateful that she is involved in such a wonderful, God-centered organization. We look forward to seeing her grow in the CCC family.
What a wonderful experience this was for all 4 of our children. From our rising 5th grader to entering kindergartener, each one came home singing and dancing. CCC was a highlight of our summer, for sure! I especially appreciate faith formation integrated into their day of play and learning!
Will had a great summer experience at CCC, and I can tell his confidence in performing has only gotten stronger with each session. Looking forward to the upcoming year and getting his little brother involved next summer.
My son thrived at CCC camp. It is a well-rounded, overall wonderful community founded in love, faith, and fun. The logistics and communication are absolutely incredible. In all honesty, my son’s school could take a lesson from you all in that regard. I love CCC camp.
CCC has brought so much joy to our lives. Seeing our children up on stage singing and dancing and having the time of their lives is such a joy. The excitement that they have for each other on stage is also so wonderful to watch. The courage and strength my children have learned from being a part of CCC have helped them in so many other areas of their lives. We are so blessed to be a part of this community and look forward to many years of love, laughter, and faith.
The summer intensive camp was fantastic. My daughter enjoyed being able to enhance her skills in the small group format. She also enjoyed being with older kids.
CCC is the best camp around! My kids look forward to their summers with CCC all year long and talk about their memories daily. They’ve made lasting friendships through camp. I’m so grateful for CCC and never worry when my children are there!
CCC has impacted both of my boys. John grew in confidence and his love of music, which continues today. He has met lifelong friends through CCC and learned about teamwork. CCC is such a part of Andrew and who he is, who his friends are, and his interest in service to others. CCC has broadened the relationships of our entire family. We have met so many wonderful people through this organization, and we are eternally grateful.
This was our very first summer camp experience with CCC, and it was by far the best camp our kiddo went to all summer! She came home excited and actually told me about what she did all day. Everyone at CCC went above and beyond, and we are thrilled to have had the opportunity to send our daughter here. Thank you!
Our girls continue to enjoy CCC year after year! We are grateful for the positive environment provided for them to grow and shine. Thank you!
We love CCC! We travel from Montgomery County to participate! If you ever start a Mont Co. program, we would totally join in on the fun!
As shared on @cccshines
Has CCC made a difference for your family?
We’d love to hear about it. Your story helps new families find their place on our stage.