From Reporter to Camp Buddy: A Full Circle Moment

Susan reported on our very first camp back in 2000 as a former reporter for WQPT and host of “Perspective”. Now, 24 years later she joined us as a camp buddy during our most recent Camp Hand in Hand.

As Susan thinks back to her experience reporting on the very first Camp Hand in Hand, she remembers seeing all the kids enjoying themselves and the simple yet powerful idea behind hosting a camp for children with disabilities. She said she was awestruck at how big the need for this camp was at the time and it was so heartwarming to see that need being met.

“I loved seeing every activity just being adapted to meet the needs of the campers.  There were no activities that they were saying no to, instead, they will figure out ways to make it happen.  That is still the case today,” said Susan.

She said that being in broadcasting was often unpredictable and that you never knew what to expect. You never knew what was going to happen from one day to the next as a reporter, so you had to remain flexible, and you got to meet people from all kinds of backgrounds.  For that reason, she felt like volunteering for Camp Hand in Hand was a perfect move for her. She also has experience as a substitute teacher working in special education after retiring from broadcasting so she knew she had the perfect skill set to be a camp buddy.

“I thought well I’ve got these skills now and am comfortable working with these kiddos,” so she signed up to volunteer.

She was paired with one of our adult participants who took part in crafting, swimming, canoeing, and all the other typical camp activities but wasn’t a huge fan of hiking. She did however love to play games, so Susan brought some board games from home to play with when our participant didn’t want to hike. She even had a funny moment when they were doing a craft project, and her buddy wanted to be funny and put paint on Susan’s nose. The two enjoyed a good laugh about it!

Susan said, “the community needs to know that the people who use Hand in Hand services are amazing productive members of the community.” She went on to say that Hand in Hand participants deserve to feel seen and appreciated and that Hand in Hand was doing a great job of that. She also encouraged others to get involved and be a camp buddy next summer.

“Just try it! There is nothing to be afraid of. Remembering the smile on the kiddo’s face when they hit the pool because they are in a wheelchair all day. Seeing the young girl just being part of the girl group dancing and having a great time.  The smiles on the participants’ faces make it all worth it.  So, get involved and try it.”