Isaiah’s Journey from Camper to Counselor
By Abby Emmons
July 24, 2024
At Victory Junction, every camper’s journey is unique and inspiring. Camp is a place for kids to be themselves and let their dreams take flight. It truly makes our heart race to see campers return to VJ, like Isaiah, a former camper who is now a cabin counselor for Summer 2024. We had the opportunity to speak with him about his journey from a former camper to a cabin counselor.
Cabin Counselors are responsible for campers’ daily needs and make sure campers feel safe, valued, and empowered. They serve as caretakers for the campers while also making sure they get to and from all program areas safely. We began by asking Isaiah a little bit about how he first heard about VJ.
How did you find out about Camp?
“One day my mom was on Facebook and found Victory Junction’s profile. She found out it was a camp for kids with chronic illnesses, and she asked me if I wanted to go to this camp, because I was born with a heart condition. I had been to other camps, but it wasn’t the same. I was originally a little nervous and worried if the other kids would have the same challenges as me, but I instantly felt welcomed. The counselors especially help you break out of your shell and make you feel like you belong.”
What are some of your favorite memories as a camper at Victory Junction?
“My favorite memories as a camper probably include archery or the water park. Popping that balloon and getting a gold medal from Mr. Larry makes your week, but I also enjoyed swimming because it feels good to get in the pool when it’s hot outside.”
What do you find most rewarding about being a counselor?
“Since I was a previous camper, it helps you see the other side of things. When you are here as a camper, you are here to have fun, but I think for me, it’s more rewarding as a counselor, because you get to give kids the opportunities to be themselves here at Camp. It makes your whole year and makes you happy.”
What advice would you give to people that might want to get involved with VJ?
“I’d say do it. Yes, it can be long days and hours, but it is so rewarding. I genuinely didn’t know that I was going to work here this summer, but I am so glad I did. It has opened so many doors for me, especially for my career. I wouldn’t trade this experience for the world.”
Can you describe a little bit about the orientation process and what that was like for you?
“Orientation is getting you prepared to be able to take best care of the campers, no matter the week or disability they have. It prepares you mentally and physically. I enjoyed orientation, even though it was long days, it all helps. When you get into certain situations, you think back to orientation and realize that it is to prepare you.”
How has being a counselor impacted your personal growth and development?
“I think it has impacted my growth as a person, because when I came here, I didn’t know if I would be good at this or make friends. I know how to work with kids, but this is very different. Being here has helped me grow as a person as I help with whatever is needed. It’s even helped with my confidence, because I was worried if I would be able to keep up with the campers and give them the best week due to my heart condition, but it has helped me grow and know that I can do this. It also gives the campers something to relate to, since I was a previous camper.”
If you could describe VJ in three words, what would they be and why?
“Fun, because all the stuff here is so fun, and many campers do not get to do these types of things outside of here. My second word would be growth, because a lot of people grow here, including campers, counselors and full-time staff. Seeing the growth from the beginning of the summer to the end is so great. Lastly, I would say VJ is life-changing. Initially as a kid I thought it was life-changing, but especially now as a counselor, where I get to work with these amazing kids. I think seeing a smile on their face can just make your day.”
What does Camp mean to you?
“To me, Camp is a place where you can go and be yourself. When you come here as a camper, you have the ability to do things that you may not be able to at home. It means so much to me, and working here is changing my life, and I know it will in the future as well.”
Isaiah’s story highlights the impact that Camp can have on campers, counselors, volunteers, to even full-time staff. We are grateful for individuals like Isaiah, who have been impacted by VJ and choose to return to give those same magical experiences to campers.
