I’m not easily impressed by schools in general.

I believe most school districts in my state are run by overly “educated” people without a gram of common sense.

But there is one school that has my utmost respect and admiration – Fair Play Camp School near Westminster, SC.

Why am I so enamored with Fair Play?

It’s simple. They made a huge impact on my grandson Cole, whom I love unconditionally and fervently.

Our local school district told my daughter they could not help my grandson, who had been diagnosed with a form of autism.

I was beyond furious. I was looking for ways to help my daughter sue them into oblivion.

Oh, me of little faith.

As it turns out, God was in control and set in motion what became the best thing that ever happened to Cole.

My daughter discovered Fair Play Camp School. After a few inquiries and meeting with Phil Hollinger, the family liaison representative, Cole was accepted and started there in February of 2016.

When he started his education there, he hated reading and writing.

When he finished, he had become a prolific writer during his 20 months there. And developed a habit of reading.

Shortly after returning home to begin high school at Gray Collegiate Academy in Lexington, we visited editor Emeritus and co-owner of The Lexington County Chronicle Newspaper, where I am a columnist, writer, occasional reporter and ad sales rep.

Cole walked away with an internship to help the paper with its social media and website. Unpaid, but a job, nonetheless.

Within a short time he was given more responsibility, posting news stories online. Before long, he was writing articles for the paper.

One of his first was articles was about his visit to Washington, DC, while at Fair Play. Followed by other stories about outdoor activities in our region.

Today he writes columns that appear in the sports section of the Chronicle and in the Lake Murray Fish Wrapper the last Thursday of every month.

None of this would have been possible had Cole not attended Fair Play Camp School. I say that without any hesitation or qualification.

His experiences there were life changing.

How was the camp able to create such a change in Cole?

First and foremost, it was the intense process.

The structure reminded me of Navy boot camp, which helped me mature as a man.

Second, it was the love and care for the boys from every single staff member, chief and administrator there.

Cole received spiritual guidance, learned about cooperation with others, teamwork, problem solving, coping skills, perseverance, building skills and so many other things that will help him for a lifetime.

Everything was intentional and immediate, and I believe that was what made everything stick.

In March of last year, Fair Play invited Cole and me to help build a trail on the new property. We readily accepted.

About 50 people from as far away as Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania and Nebraska attended. Some were former staff and a few had graduated from Fair Play.

What I heard from them over and over was a sincere loyalty and devotion to Fair Play.

Another factor that was extremely beneficial to Cole and his fellow campers was life outdoors.

Research shows spending time outdoors could reset your mental attitude.

All of these factors contributed in some measure to the miraculous turnaround and positive growth in my grandson. He is one of their most fervent advocates and visits the camp as often as possible.

I’m certain that he is not an exception, but the norm.