From Camper to Leader
I’m a high school student who volunteered at the Sonshine Day Camp this past year, but my connection with the camp goes back much further. For the past 7-8 years, I was a camper at the Flemingdon Park community site, and today, I’d love to share the journey of how I went from being a camper to becoming a volunteer.
My story began on a hot summer day, right after I’d finished grade 2 or 3. A family friend suggested I try a day camp in the neighbourhood, especially since I spent a lot of time playing with my iPad while my parents were busy at work. So, I took a leap of faith and joined.
From the first day, the camp staff welcomed me with open arms, and year after year, I found myself returning. Camp became a place where I met people not just from my neighbourhood, but from different cities and even other countries. Each summer, I watched interns come and go. At first, I expected them to come back each year like I did, but that wasn’t always the case.
Then came the pandemic, and everything changed. Youth sessions moved online, and camp didn’t feel the same. By the end of 2020, my family decided to move to Scarborough, which was especially hard for me. I loved the Flemingdon Park community, and suddenly, my friends were miles away. But, over time, I adjusted and found new ways to stay in touch with them.
Fast forward to the summer after grade 10, I spent most of my time on my computer. Even though my mom suggested I return to camp to earn my volunteer hours, I had initially considered volunteering at the CNE instead. Looking back, even though my mom had made the initial suggestion, somehow, God was the One who directed me towards His plan for me. So, I asked my mother for one of the Outreach Workers' numbers so I could reconnect with the camp team. I was nervous at first—it had been over a year since I had spoken to them,and during that time I was a very different person. In that time, I’d been in situations I knew weren’t the best for me. I was hanging out with people I shouldn't be with and saying things I shouldn’t say. But deciding to return to camp felt right.
Becoming a volunteer was a different experience. I was responsible for the kids and didn’t have as much time to play around like I did as a camper. But I learned a lot from this new role. I was working with kids for the first time, and whenever I felt unsure, the Outreach Workers and Interns were always there to guide and support me.
Even after the summer ended, I returned to the afterschool program—a familiar and welcoming place. Despite my busy high school schedule, I always wanted to put in the time to help out since all these programs have done so much for me. I even volunteered during March Break camp, where I had just as much fun as during the summer. There's also SpikeBack, one TCM’s fundraising events. Although I couldn’t participate as a player because I didn’t have a team at that time, I got involved by volunteering.
Through all of this, one Bible verse really spoke to me throughout my first year as a volunteer: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). This verse really spoke to me during tough moments—whether it was mediating arguments among kids, comforting a crying child, or welcoming new kids. I knew God was there guiding me every step of the way.
The Outreach Workers and Interns were also such a blessing to me. They were the people that inspired me to come back to camp. Their work ethic and dedication inspired me and gave me the confidence to grow, not only with the kids but with people in general.
When I was afraid to speak up, I remembered a saying that stuck with me: “It’s a waste of time to be scared.” I hope my story encourages you to pursue what you dream of. Even if you feel scared, go for it, because you never know what amazing experiences might come from taking that first step.