Camp changes lives. 

As a camper, many of my counselors (Zaga, Noodle, Cricket, Koda...just to name a few) taught me valuable life lessons that left vital impressions on my young, raw heart. They have helped me look on the bright side, accept myself, feel loved, and develop into the person I am today. Camp Dudley is where I developed valuable leadership skills and personal confidence as I blossomed into a positive role model, an outstanding problem solver, and a responsible, reliable individual.

Camp counseling is not a “cookie cutter job:” every child has individual strengths, talents, and needs that require attention and development. By helping campers feel valued, loved and appreciated--all of which are vital factors in a child’s personal development--camp counselors can have a great impact in every camper's life. It is possible that counselors’ examples and influences during a single week of camp can quite literally mean the difference between a child truly succeeding in life as a genuinely happy person with true integrity, or losing their footing down the road and falling through the cracks. Throughout a short week at camp so much can be accomplished in nurturing their character, boosting their self-esteem, and showing them how much fun wholesome activities can be. We can’t underestimate the potential kids hold when they walk with confidence and feel accepted for who they are. Everyone in this world needs a place to belong, and I know from personal experience that Camp Dudley can be that place with the help of dedicated, caring counselors who are driven by the desire to impact lives. For camp to be truly successful, each and every staff member has to be devoted to the heart of camp: the campers.

Kids need camp; I honestly believe that. Kids need (young) adults, other than their parents, that will love them as unique individuals and help them feel significant and special. One of the greatest treasures of a camp experience is the fun, nurturing bond formed between campers and their counselors. This summer I want to offer every child a true "experience of a lifetime."