Last summer, seven SMA students served for a combined total of 1,168 hours at Adam’s Camp. The five seniors and two juniors were camp counselors for children and adults in the Intellectual and Developmental Disorders (IDD) community. Campers’ levels of needs varied, and student volunteers quickly adapted to support their development. Their dedication and service helped foster independence, socialization, and downright fun for their campers. 

 

Instead of sleeping in as many do during the summer, their fully packed days started around 5:30 a.m. Tasked with waking campers, prepping breakfast, getting everyone dressed and packed for the day, including being covered with sunscreen and on the bus by 7:45 a.m., our students were quickly aware of the importance of their presence. Every kid deserves a sleep-away summer adventure camp experience; our students helped make that happen. 

 

Located at Snow Mountain Ranch, campers enjoyed many of the same activities as our high school students during our annual retreat. Some may just need a bit more physical or social support along the way. Senior Lauren Messerle. shared about her time with a teen boy who had neurological, mobility, and vision needs due to a childhood brain tumor (name changed for confidentiality):

“Given his mobility issues, it made it very difficult and scary for [Bob] to participate in group activities, especially as he was 6’5”. One of the activities during my week at Adam’s Camp was rafting. Leading up to the experience, [Bob] felt incredibly apprehensive, and wanted no part of rafting. When we were getting ready to hop on the rafts, [Bob] refused to get on. He wanted to go–he was just scared. It took several counselors and volunteers to try to make [Bob] feel comfortable going rafting, but ultimately, it was up to him. He knew deep down it would be a positive experience; he just needed time to take in his surroundings. After some self-pep talk, he gained enough courage and confidence to get on the raft. Watching [Bob] take the time to talk himself through this scary and new experience truly inspired me, and served as a reminder that by encouraging and allowing yourself time, you can do hard things.”

Everyone has faced nerves that try to inhibit enticing new experiences. Having someone stand by us to provide support or encouragement can make all the difference. We can do hard things, even if we don’t initially believe in the possibilities. 

 

Senior Olivia Jones had what she calls a life-changing, perspective-granting experience while rafting with her group. Due to unavoidable circumstances, they ran into complications that ultimately flipped their raft. Some campers were stuck under the raft and water, quickly escalating it to an emergency. This was only one instance when Olivia tabled her own fears to focus on the campers. Olivia shares: 

“The campers were so strong through such a hard time and came out smiling, laughing, and becoming closer to their friends. I also had a moment when I was on a ropes course with a camper, and I was terrified (I hate heights), but I had to be up there to help with the rope and carabiner closures. The camper was so scared and wanted to turn around, so I told her, ‘You know, I am terrified too. I think being this high up is scary. But we are both safe, and we can do this together.’ She looked at me in shock, then smiled so big and braved the rest of the course. When we reached the bottom, she said, ‘I didn't know you were scared. I'm proud of us for doing this.’ She started the week very anxious and reluctant to participate, but after the ropes course, she tried everything and was one of the most outgoing campers. She didn't want to leave. It was so impactful to see, especially since I was nervous that I wouldn't do a good job or would not be able to help and connect with the campers well.”

 

It is always interesting to read students’ service reflections, many speaking to their initial worries about “not doing a good job” or making a mistake. So often, service exposes students to new experiences that stretch their awareness of their capabilities. People deny teens the credit they deserve when provided opportunities to lead and serve. In reality, they have so much to give and have a desire to make a difference that is nothing short of inspiring. When asked what she learned, Olivia said:

“I learned perseverance, critical leadership skills, how to connect quickly, and most importantly, how to approach people with an open mind and a loving attitude. You don't have to know what everyone is going through, but you must be willing to seek to understand and empathize with others. Many campers expressed frustrations about communication. It is something that I had taken for granted: having a voice and being able to express my needs whenever I want. I learned to develop other ways of communication, and it made me realize how important it is to use my voice for good.”

Olivia does precisely this. Her voice is used to advocate, support, and encourage others daily. Like so many of our students, she leads with compassion and walks the walk we desire for each person in the SMA community. 

 

For years, fellow Senior Ginna Jacoby has volunteered with the National Sports Center for the Disabled, assisting people through adaptive skiing. She joined the volunteer team at Adams Camp last summer and shared about her experience: 

“Everyone should do some sort of volunteer work with people with varying abilities. Between my work at the National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD) and Adam’s Camp, a door was opened for me to see how others may experience things. Adam’s Camp addresses accessibility and inclusion by making therapeutic services and other activities more welcoming to children and young adults with disabilities. Adam’s Camp also addresses the lack of therapeutic services for individuals and families. I feel like there is always a stigma about people with disabilities not being able to do anything for themselves. However, being “disabled” can mean many different things and is a very broad spectrum. Volunteering at Adam’s Camp made me even more aware of how broad that spectrum really is. Adam’s Camp does an amazing job of making everyone feel seen and free to express themselves. The counselors at Adam’s Camp create an environment that fosters strengths to work towards goals.”

So much work goes into a successful summer program for any camp, and Adams Camp is no exception. Our students were able to help foster growth and confidence in those they were serving, while unintentionally growing in the same areas themselves. The more these stigmas are broken down, the more we can build up our communities. 

 

As Lauren shared, we have more in common than we differ. Once we get to know others on a personal level, commonalities overpower differentiators, and authentic relationships form:

“I learned that treating others how you want to be treated is empowering, a genuine apology can turn a new page, and all humans thrive when having fun. They are just as capable of any task as we are, and if given support and encouragement, the individuals I serve can do amazing things. In my everyday life, I remember this, and strive to treat everyone with the same respect and fairness. This experience has taught me to challenge any preconceived conceptions and advocate for greater inclusivity.”

When asked for solutions to eradicate some of the problems, each student spoke directly to the need for more programs like Adam’s Camp. When asked for solutions, Lauren added:

“Expanding programs like Adam’s Camp and equine therapy centers to more locations. Increasing public awareness about the capabilities and rights of individuals with disabilities through advocacy and education. Ensuring more funding for disability-inclusive recreational programs and therapies.”

Each student who has served at Adam’s Camp has returned with the same advocacy: everyone deserves the same experiences and opportunities, and it’s up to the larger community to make it happen. As a Loretto school, we are called to be changemakers in a divisive world. Even our youngest three-year-olds learn about the Loretto School Values of Faith, Community, Justice, and Respect, our compass and foundation. As part of our High School Service Learning curriculum, students connect their service to the Loretto School Values through reflection and discussion. Olivia stated:

“Adam's Camp is like a family, and the staff and volunteers have such a passion for the work they do and truly care about the kids. They respect and honor their stories and experiences while seeking to understand where they are at. I remember my director saying, "You have to approach every situation with love. You may not know everyone's experiences, but you can seek to understand them." This really set the tone, and I felt like everybody truly embodied that and gave their all, and it inspired me to approach the situation with care. The campers are just kids, and we can acknowledge their differences and accept them, but realize that it does not define them. It also turns out that I had more in common with the campers than I thought. Some played the same sports, liked the same books, had the same [worries], or liked the same foods. I found it very easy to connect with them.”

 

Ginna added:

“Unity was a central theme at my service site. Every night, we had a different all-camp activity, whether it was a dance, a movie night, or a talent show. Through those community activities, it was really fun to see the interactions between all the different cabins and age groups. The Eagle group also did a fantastic job of making the younger kids experience the love of camp and unity with the other campers. My volunteer work made me reflect on a connection to something larger than myself through a realization of how nature has a way of bringing people together. Often we are stuck in our devices, only paying attention to our own world, but at camp, phones don’t really work. By not having much phone access, interaction with your surroundings and the people around you is forced at first, but you find more genuine connections because of fewer distractions. Having meaningful connections is an essential part of life that has been dampened by social media, and being in an outdoor environment means you find other ways to connect and express yourself.”

 

Lauren shared:

“I learned the importance of courage and trust in others. I also learned the benefits that stepping outside of your comfort zone can provide. Serving individuals with special needs gave me a profound sense of purpose and connectedness to humanity. Witnessing their courage and joy in moments of success made me feel part of a greater mission to uplift others.”

 

SMA students have a long history of serving at Adam’s Camp, and every year, they return with similar reflections and passion. It is incredible what dedicating one week to serving others can do for not only advocacy and understanding, but also self-discovery and growth. Students interested in volunteering at Adams Camp should check out their website for application information. Congratulations to the students who have already been accepted as counselors for this summer! Thank you to all current and past students who have given a part of themselves to Adam’s Camp. May the larger community follow your example of compassion, service, and love.