Could this be your story next summer? Volunteering at summer camp wasn’t something I’d planned for; it kind of just fell into my lap. A friend suggested it after hearing I was looking for something different to fill my summer, and, to be honest, I was a bit skeptical at first. But from the moment I stepped onto the campgrounds, I knew I’d stumbled into something special. The first day was a whirlwind—learning the ropes, meeting staff, and trying to remember dozens of campers’ names. There was this rush of energy that only a place like camp can generate, where everyone is excited to be there, ready to have fun, learn, and explore. By the end of that first day, I was exhausted, but there was this warmth in my heart that I hadn’t felt in a long time. It was clear that camp was going to be more than just an interesting way to spend the summer.
As the weeks went on, I settled into the rhythm of camp life, and the best part was connecting with the kids. Every day brought something new and surprising, from hands-on science experiments that left campers (and me) amazed to nature hikes, where I learned that kids have a thousand questions about every single leaf and bug. There was this one camper, Ellie, who had been a little shy and nervous at first, but over time, she started to open up and became one of the most enthusiastic participants. Seeing her gain confidence and watching her curiosity come alive was incredibly rewarding. Moments like that reminded me of the power of curiosity and the importance of encouraging it.
By the time the last week of camp rolled around, I had realized that I’d received just as much as I’d given. I walked away with a sense of purpose and fulfillment, something I hadn’t expected. Volunteering at camp not only allowed me to give back but also taught me so much—about patience, kindness, and the beauty of shared experiences. The friendships I formed with the other staff and campers are memories I’ll always carry with me, and the impact this summer made on my life is something I’ll treasure forever. Volunteering was one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done, and it’s an experience I’d recommend to anyone looking to make a meaningful difference.
