When I was asked to write something about working at Camp, I didn’t know where to start.  Do I start when I first arrived in the USA nearly 15 years ago to work at a Summer Camp for children with special needs and didn’t know what to expect?  Do I start when I realized that I didn’t feel that I was making a difference, but that Camp and the children that we served have made a difference in my life?  Or, do I share how today, with the support from Rotarians and community members; together we “Create a world where there are only abilities?”

 

Akron Rotary Camp is a very special place.  It’s a place where no one is judged. It’s a place where we celebrate each other and makes us grateful for what we have. As a counselor, I learned how to give my all, all – the - time. I learned how to step out of my comfort zone, and I learned how to accept what can and cannot be. It is also the place that taught me to think on my feet and to step in leadership roles that I never thought I could do, and how to be part of a team. I also the place where I made lifelong friends, and like then, we still share our greatest successes with each other and celebrate each other’s’ lives accomplishments.

 

Camp days are long, very long, - but when a camper gives you a big hug on Friday before they leave and tell you they had the best week, it made it so worth it.  I remember Missy McDonald that was always smiling, although she had Downs. Nothing could get her down! I remember Jessica and Zack that started coming to camp when they were 6 years old.  They still come to camp as it is their camp where their friends are, and where they feel save.  They learned how to be independent and do things that they never thought they could. I remember Enrique that thanked me for saving his life when he fell out of a canoe and helped him to get back in.  And Christy, that takes on the role of ‘Counselor-in-training’ to make sure her new cabin friends feel welcome.  As I’m reminiscing about Jordan, Rachel, Maverick, and so many others and the experiences they had at camp, I realize, once again how fortunate I am.  How the next chapter in my life started on this 6 acre camp in Akron, Ohio, and how I need to thank God for all I have, and can do. 

 

These days I don’t work as much with the campers as in my days of being a counselor, but together with our Camp team, I work to make camp better. I work with volunteers and volunteer groups to lend that extra pair of hands, or get camp clean, organized or painted so they can feel welcome.  I also work on events to make sure we can take on the next project or provide the financial assistance that’s needed.  To past and present Rotarians I want to say Thank You!  Thank you for your commitment and support to the Akron Rotary Camp for Special Needs where we continue to “Create a world where there are only abilities!”

 

PS: Please join us for our Thursday night Cookouts this summer and maybe you will meet a Rachel, Maverick, or Christy to start your camp story too.

 

Amanda Warner
Akron Rotary Camp
Director of Volunteers and Special Events