National Volunteer Week: Q & A with Warren

Campfire Circle sat down with Warren, volunteer and camp alumni, on why he keeps giving back.

Campfire Circle: Why do you volunteer at Campfire Circle?

Warren: Campfire Circle has a special place in my heart. As a cancer survivor myself, I have seen firsthand how powerful the experience of camp can be on those affected by childhood cancer. Campfire Circle helped shape my childhood in a positive way, providing new and exciting challenges while fostering a safe and supportive environment for discovery.

A big part of my volunteer journey is giving back to an organization that has given me so much joy and opened my eyes to adventure and possibility. If I can have a similar impact on youth and families that I interact with at camp activities—imagine the potential that will have on their adventures in life.

Healing through happiness is more than a catch phrase. It’s a lived experience I carry with me as a survivor and now as a volunteer, every day.

CC: What skills or interests have you learned from volunteering?

WV: Campfire Circle has taught me a lot of valuable skills which are very transferable to my work and relationships outside of camp. Curiosity is probably the most valuable skill I’ve acquired from my time at camp (both as a camper and volunteer). Being open and inquisitive to new challenges and various perspectives is so important when it comes to relationship building and fostering trust.

At camp, we’re all challenged to embrace an environment where participants can learn and discover new activities at a pace that works for them (challenge by choice). It’s also very important to be empathetic and to look at challenges from the participants’ perspective, while encouraging participation and growth. There are very few barriers (physical or psychological) at camp, and in life, that are insurmountable if you approach them with curiosity and kindness.

CC: What advice would you give to people who are on the fence about volunteering?

Childhood oncology is certainly at the forefront of the programming Campfire Circle offers, but it’s not the only thing we talk about at camp. Surprisingly enough, it’s often something we overlook as we engage in all the fun activities at camp. This doesn’t mean we’re not accommodating the various needs of our community or that the youth aren’t connecting on these shared experiences, rather we’re having so much fun that it simply isn’t a direct focus of our campers and families. This truly is the magic of Campfire Circle, and you can be a part of delivering these programs and sharing that magical experience.

Summer programing is at the core of Campfire Circle, as the overnight and day camps provide opportunities for youth and families to connect over days. Campfire Circle also offers weekend, in-hospital and community programs year-round.

Maybe you’re busy in the summer and can only commit to one program at that time of year, and that’s OK. Campfire Circle’s year-round programming is another great opportunity because they are always looking for supportive volunteers to help deliver these unique programs.

CC: What bling are you most proud of?

WV: I’ve acquired, shared, and misplaced a lot of bling during my time with Campfire Circle. I think the piece I’m most proud of is one that I was able to create with our cabin group this past summer. With our senior boys (Sparrow) cabin group, we participated in an art program where we all had a chance to collaborate on a shrink art, which now lives on my braid. When I look down at this bling, I can’t help but reflect on the exercise and the laughter we shared while creating it together.