by David Herron
Volunteer-in-chief (and board president)
YMCA Camp Ockanickon, Inc.
Every time I meet someone from the YMCA and they learn that I am a volunteer, they say, “Thank you for volunteering.” And every time I hear that, it strikes me as an odd thing to say. The truth of the matter is that I think I should be thanking them for the opportunity to be a YMCA volunteer.
Being a volunteer at Camp Ockanickon means to me that I can have a positive impact on the lives of the boys and girls that attend camp and our outdoor programs. As a Board member, we may not have direct contact with the kids at camp, but we are always aware that our decisions directly or indirectly affect our campers. We are responsible for ensuring that the camp stays financially strong so we can continue to provide all of the wonderful programs that kids enjoy throughout the summer.
Every summer, there are boys and girls coming to camp for the first time. When they arrive, they may be a bit shy and unsure of what to expect. But soon, they will be meeting other boys and girls, making new friends. Some of these friendships can last a lifetime.
Some kids will be reluctant to go swimming or to go diving in a lake. They are used to neighborhood pools where the water is clear and they can see all the way to the bottom. At Camp Ockanickon, Camp Matollionequay and Lake Stockwell Day Camp, swim instructors work with the campers to teach them water safety and to help them get over any fears they may have about swimming in a lake. You can see the child’s sense of pride when he/she has overcome their fear and takes their first plunge into the lake.
There are many activities that the campers will enjoy, some will experience these for the first time. Archery and the ropes course are a couple that come to mind. These boys and girls are learning that there are exciting new adventures for them. All of which can be experienced without a computer! Camp is a great way to disconnect from the internet and reconnect with nature and the environment.
The first-timer comes to camp feeling a bit shy and perhaps a bit awkward. But that same child will leave with new friends, a greater sense of self-confidence, pride in their accomplishments and a realization that a great life exists beyond the internet.
I know all this because I was that kid. And now I am that volunteer. Although I don’t get to directly impact a child’s life, I know, as a volunteer I am having a positive impact. And so I say, “thank you” for the opportunity to volunteer for a great place like YMCA Camp Ockanickon.