From Camper to Camp Staff
By Bailey Deaver
June 23, 2022
It always makes our heart race to see our campers back at VJ. This summer is a special one for many reasons. One of those being that about 25% of current seasonal staff have prior connections to Camp. The connections don’t just stop with our counselors though. Dami’on J. Swittenberg or “DJ”, our new Program Area Manager, has been involved with VJ for over ten years!
Originally from Thomasville, NC, DJ grew up with chronic asthma throughout his childhood. In the summer of 2005, he came to Camp at 11 years old – just the second year VJ was open for the summer! DJ says his experience as a camper was eye-opening, because it was a culture shock to him. Growing up in his African American community, he was rarely exposed to different types of people. As the days progressed, Camp became a positive experience that DJ would always remember with his fellow campers and counselors. He cherishes the bond with counselors and how they were role models for him. After attending his first summer at VJ, DJ knew he had to come back to Camp during the summer of 2006. And he did just that!
After experiencing VJ as a camper, DJ felt a pull to apply to return as a counselor to to the place that was so important to him as a pre-teen. He was so excited to give back and experience Camp in a different light. DJ got the job and worked as a cabin counselor in 2016 and 2017. His time as a counselor, although very different from his camper days, was amazing. DJ felt he had the impact he had always dreamed of having. However, he never anticipated working at VJ full-time. Since 2017, DJ took time to come back and volunteer, leading to conversations with Camp leadership to find him a full-time role at VJ. In May 2022, DJ said the “stars (in the sky) aligned, and it all worked out” when he was offered a full-time position as the Program Area Manager.
DJ emphasizes that VJ is a special place like none other. It’s a place where kids who might hear “no” a lot, can come to Camp and hear a lot of “yeses.” He says that usually the campers’ disabilities don’t allow them to do some activities in the outside world and can be left out. DJ says that “No” is not a thing at Camp, because VJ always finds ways to accommodate every camper. In addition, VJ’s environment creates the space for the children to be themselves and have fun by teaching them fun cheers and dances, and giving them the choice to do many different activities, such as mini-golf, archery, arts and crafts, and so much more.
DJ wants everyone to know how special VJ is– no matter who you are, your gender, age, ethnicity, sexuality, or beliefs – it is a safe and welcoming place for anyone. He says he is proud to be involved and work for a place that offers amazing experiences for children with serious illnesses and chronic medical conditions.
