The Life of a Summer Volunteer
By Jennifer Tyler
Summer volunteers make a special commitment to Camp Ondessonk. They sacrifice time from their summers, their jobs, and their families to contribute to Summer Camp. They are involved in all areas of Camp and work at the side of staff and campers alike. They often bring their professional experience to their volunteer capacity. We talked to volunteers from all over Camp to hear their stories and learn why they return year after year.
What is the favorite thing you do in your volunteer assignment?
“The opportunity to be actively involved with staff and campers. It gives me the opportunity to become a useful part of Camp. I get to know current staff and be part of the campers’ experience. It is a priceless opportunity to contribute to the Magic of Camp.”
–Chris Midden, Nature Volunteer
“Honestly my favorite part of this position is being a resource for the summer staff. Their jobs are intense and most of them are kids themselves. So having access to a mental health professional either for themselves personally or to bounce ideas off so they can better serve their campers is huge! Also, seeing a camper who was really struggling at the beginning of the week overcome huge obstacles and end up having the best week ever is a really good feeling.”
–Sarah Laury, Emotional/Behavioral Health Volunteer
“My favorite thing to do is to engage with the staff and the campers both during the activity time and outside of it. Greeting a camper that has been in a Council session as you pass them on a path brightens both of your days. It is part of Jesus’ instruction for us to welcome the stranger.
I also dearly love Friday morning arrowhead hunts. I never miss it. I coach the kids who line up for the Council Arrowhead and congratulate them all whether they get it or don’t. By that point they know me and I know them. I am always surprised when that camper that seemed so disengaged during the week takes the test and nails it.”
–Tom Powers, Council Volunteer
Please share a story from your time as a volunteer:
Every year campers come in with a stubbed toe, a blister, or a nasty scrape on their toe or foot. After assessing their sense of humor, we are always pleased to announce that “’Amputations are half off today if you’re interested. After all, we are surgery nurses!!!!’ We have not had a camper yet that hasn’t laughed at the bad dad joke.”
–Zach and Sheri McDuffie, Health Center Volunteers
“One [repeat camper] in particular had really bad chafing and struggled to walk, so we brought up the rear of the hike most of the day and had some really good conversation. He recognized me several other years while volunteering at Camp and came up to talk to me. Last year, he was a senior camper, and I was on his unit’s hike. It was nice to see him enjoy the hike, be a great role model for other campers, and reminisce about our hike.”
–Tracey Simpson, Nature Volunteer
What is volunteer life like when you are off-duty?
“It’s so Fun! You can hang out with the other volunteers and get to know them. We take walks around Camp, play with the goats, and on Wednesdays we go out to eat. We eat all our meals together with the kiddos. It’s always fun to see them.”
–Johnna Revermann, Handicrafts Volunteer
“There are so many good memories. I always feel valued and like I’m truly contributing. It’s funny—no one needs you exactly, but before long, you become part of the team and get fully utilized.
Some volunteers relax outside St. Noel, sharing stories and camp memories. Others go to the main area to chat with campers or watch inspection. After dinner, there’s more free time—some attend evening activities, while others gather again on the porch. Some years, volunteers bring guitars and we sing or tell stories. This community—people from all walks of life coming together—is invaluable and one of my favorite parts of volunteering.
I always attend Sunday night church in the Grotto. Watching campers gathered there, surrounded by the beauty of God’s creation, is something special. I also love Friday night campfire, because many years you can truly see how much campers have grown in just one week. Camp really does provide experiences of a lifetime.”
–Rebecca Slanicky, Stables Volunteer
Click here to learn how to volunteer at Camp Ondessonk.
