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Say Yes to Volunteering at Family Camp: Quentin's Story
It can be a little intimidating to volunteer at an overnight camp for the first time, but Quentin took a leap of faith and had a perspective-changing week.
"I came with an open mind," Quentin said. "I knew I'd be supporting somebody and giving their family a time to just be on their own... I've never worked with somebody with a disability until now."
At a Karis Disability Services Family Camp, each camper is matched with a volunteer that they can count on for support and encouragement. Together, volunteers and campers eat, explore, play, and try new activities. Volunteers are an essential part of Family Camp and the number of families we can host depends on how many volunteers sign up.
Quentin was at church when he first heard about Karis Family Camp.
I felt God prompting me to volunteer.
Once at camp, Quentin sat in the Elim Chapel with around 30 volunteers, all ready to begin their one-day training. Feeling like a student again, Quentin listened attentively, and he offered some of his own insights about belonging and being created in the image of God. At the end of the day, Quentin was matched with a co-volunteer, Isaiah, and a camper: Justin.
Justin has autism and he doesn't use words to communicate. At first, this was a learning curve, but Quentin is observant and patient and he started picking up on Justin's body language and sounds that he uses to communicate. After just a few hours, Quentin quickly learned that Justin loves the swing and teeter-totter, and all things with stimulating rocking motions. After a full day, Quentin started noticing Justin humming along to the songs at family worship time. Quentin also noticed Justin quietly humming "Edelweiss" as they walked together between activities.
If you're feeling the least bit that you want to do it, then do it because you will be blessed by it!