Responsible, friendly and fun.
These are only a few of the characteristics that can be used to describe the personality of two Variety Adventure Camp counselors. Emma Price and Sarah Schwegel were volunteer counselors for a couple of years before they were both offered jobs as paid counselors. Their consistency in helping others and enthusiasm during camp activities gave precedence during the hiring process.
But their experience with Adventure Camp started long before that. Emma Price first went to camp when she was 8 years old. At birth, Emma and her twin brother Andrew were diagnosed with cerebral palsy. They both attended camp and loved the excitement of meeting new people and trying new things. Emma was especially fond of swimming and music, but also appreciated the variance in activities every week.
Sarah Schwegel has been a Variety child since age 2 and also enrolled as a camper at age 8. Sarah adopted the “I Can!” attitude as her own and began feeling a sense of freedom. At camp she realized that spinal muscular atrophy may cause some physical limitations, but that it has nothing to do with keeping a positive attitude. Her upbeat personality is contagious and makes it easy for her to connect with others.
As Emma and Sarah grew older, their devotion to Variety became strong, and so did their desire to help other kids in similar situations. Emma said, “I want to give back to Variety and help the kids here, because they’ve given me a lot.”
Both Emma and Sarah have the compassion to help and an understanding of differing abilities. Because they can relate so well to the kids, the transition from camper to counselor was easy for them. They have pride in Variety and were excited to take the counselor position as their first job.
“As a counselor, I am taking care of someone and their needs first. It’s given me a sense of responsibility, and it’s cool to be able to help someone,“ said Emma.
The one-on-one counselor to camper arrangement makes camp more personal for the kids. In just three weeks, the counselors and campers create a lasting friendship.
Sarah said, “I had so much fun with the kids! I loved to see them smile, so working with the kids is what made me want to be a counselor.”
In addition to friendship, Variety Adventure Camp is the perfect environment for children to discover a basic knowledge or interest in an activity. It allows children to get in touch with their own creativity and be enthusiastic about what they are learning.
Emma and Sarah enjoy being role models for kids at camp. Everyone can learn a great deal from their sincere kindness and consideration for others. Variety – and Adventure campers – appreciate their dedication.