Interning with Camp Casey has been one of the most empowering experiences I have ever been apart of. The people I am surrounded by are so selfless and look for the best in each individual. I felt like a part of the family from the first moment I walked in the door. I was greeted with positive energy, warm hugs, and contagious smiles. The atmosphere was so full of love, I knew it was where I was meant to be. Sense of humor is also an important aspect of knowing I fit somewhere, and man did they check that quality off right away!
After a few weeks of being apart of the team, I was given the opportunity to be the mentor/creator of a new position within Horsey House Calls. I was honored that only after a few weeks of knowing me, they thought I would be a good fit for the new role of an Activity Leader! The title itself sounded very engaging, and I was eager to learn more, let alone create the activities! I was able to help brainstorm different ideas of how this role could make a positive impact on our Horsey House Calls, and I think after a lot of pinteresting, crafting, and camp leader experience, I was able to take on the reins.
My first Horsey House call was, in fact, my first time ever trying out the new role of an Activity Leader. This was a very different setting for me. It’s not everyday I am helping to bring a horse to someone’s front door step. Although I was a little intimidated by the day, especially by the gentle giant trotting along the front yard, once I witnessed the surprise, and met the family and friends, my worries seemed to vanish. I had nothing on my mind, just a smile on my face. That’s what these days are all about.
Art is always a great way to keep people engaged as well as entertained. It is a form of expression, and one that I love to take part in. There is no right or wrong way to create a masterpiece. Once I was able to rope in the campers, we all put our picasso skills to the test. For each craft, I made sure to encourage each one to make it unique to themselves. Whether it may be a simple name tag, or a picture frame, add your own special twist.
Being apart of the smiles and laughter of the day makes my heart full. After we finish the crafts, devour our weight in pizza, we then go crazy and play games until it’s to hang up our cowboy hats. It’s nice to be a kid again. I am not just speaking for myself, but for the campers and families as well. We all need that dance like no one is watching moment.
Once we can barely see our hands behind all of the paint, food, chalk, and dirt, we know that we have had a good day and that it is time to head ’em up,and move ’em out. It truly doesn’t matter if these people were just strangers moments before, or there’s an age gap between us, or that it’s in an unfamiliar place, you feel like you are right where you belong because you are surrounded by so many big hearts. Not only do I get to enter the lives of others, and make an impact, but each and every person involved in Camp Casey positively impacts mine. Thank you, Camp Casey for finding the sun on every cloudy day.
