We were thrilled to have Jamel at camp last summer! As a first-time volunteer, he heard about the opportunity from his job at Abercrombie & Fitch. As an incredible partner of Roundup River Ranch, Abercrombie offers volunteer time to employees at SeriousFun Camps. For Jamel, this was his first camp experience and first time in Colorado.
“When I found out I was coming to Colorado, I knew it was going to be awesome. I was very excited to see the amazing views and give back for the week.”
Aside from the trials of packing for a Colorado trip, Jamel had zero expectations coming to camp, which he reflects, allowed him to experience everything with open eyes. “Coming to camp without any preconceived notions, I was able to experience everything along with the campers. Some of the campers had been to camp before, so it was fun helping to facilitate along with the counselors.”
Jamel said during the week he was able to have a lot of fun with the campers, and support as needed. “The staff I was working with and how well they performed, I knew I could be a helping hand and support as needed. The team was just so strong, it made it such an easy thing to just like come into be another helping hand.”
Memorable moments happened all week for Jamel and his campers. Even for himself, he did archery and went fishing for the very first time! Some of the campers who had fished before even helped teach him.
In his cabin, they had two sets of brothers, who Jamel helped come out of their brotherly podding and meet the rest of the cabinmates. “The brothers would just talk to each other, which is natural, but it felt nice to help them along with another counselor, kind of break out of their shells. By the end they were so comfortable, especially with us. I was happy to see the growth from the beginning to today,”
A message that Jamel wanted to leave with his campers is to continue to be themselves even as they become more aware of other people and their surroundings as they group up. “You’re the most free when you are yourself and open. It’s something I am always striving for.”
