Camp Counselor to Camp Leader: Taking the Leap Is Worth It

Overnight Camp Director Victoria “Scout” Valencia shares why she loves being part of Camp Casco, her favorite camp memories, and advice for those looking to transition to a leadership role.

I heard about Camp Casco because I had volunteered with CEO Erin Fletcher for years at a similar camp in San Diego, CR4TS (Camp Reach For The Sky). I happened to be living in Washington DC at the time that she started Camp Casco and thought it would be a great opportunity to volunteer closer on the East Coast. I applied to volunteer the very first year of Camp Casco and have never looked back (even though I've since moved back to San Diego). As a pediatric cancer survivor, I know first-hand what camp can do for these kids, and I was thrilled to find another way to give back to the community that gave me so much as a childhood cancer patient. 

Our very first camp dance is a standout memory from my first summer as a counselor for Camp Casco. We were such a small crew that first summer in 2015. And because the group was so small, the camp dance had that timid feeling of no one wanting to get on that dance floor. Then someone busted out some chairs for musical chairs. Then suddenly, we had a conga line, and then the dance floor was wide open. Seeing the campers come out of their shells was something that happened again and again that first week of camp. And something that continues to happen year after year. Seeing the campers grow and have more trust in us and themselves is a beautiful thing. I love to be a part of that. 

I was offered the Head Counselor position in my first year volunteering with Camp Casco based on my experience volunteering at previous oncology camps for many years. I decided to accept the position because I felt like it was an amazing opportunity, not just to be a part of this community but to help create this community. I saw (and still do see) it as a chance to see every camper and be a part of the larger planning that makes camp magical and amazing for them. I also saw (and still do see) it as a chance to flex my creativity. While my job has never been Activities Manager, getting a chance to suggest crazy ideas and activities and help bring them to fruition has always been such a wonderful part of being in leadership. While I did not directly apply for a leadership position, I know that my years of experience at summer camps are a big part of why I have found success and joy as a leader for Camp Casco. 

Currently, I am the Camp Director for Overnight Camp. I like to say that the role of camp director is everything and nothing. Camp counselors are in charge of making sure the kids have the best week ever. Head Counselors are in charge of making sure the counselors have the best week ever. Other members of leadership are in charge of making sure their teams have the best week ever. My job is to support the leadership team in all their goals leading up to and during the camp week.

Scout with other members of the Overnight Camp leadership team

My job is flexibility and support at all times. Crisis? Call the camp director before calling Ghostbusters. Conflict? Same goes. Need help running an activity because the other counselors need a break? You know who to call. My job is also just to hang out with the campers and be generally available to all who need me during the camp week. Outside of the camp week, I also have monthly meetings with my leadership team to plan camp. This includes going through applications and counselor interviews, activity planning, and more.

My favorite part of volunteering with Camp Casco is seeing the kids year after year after year. It is like a family reunion full of fun, games, and meaningful connection. My favorite part is also being a part of this amazing team. I love my fellow leaders and counselors, and getting to work alongside like-minded people to give back fills my cup. My favorite part of volunteering with camp is that there is a place for everyone. Another favorite part is doing the activities alongside the kids, getting to be a kid again each summer, and dressing up and the camp songs. 

This is a community where there is a role for everyone. Whether it's volunteering at camp, donating, or joining us for events and fundraisers- this is a community for everyone. Everyone can find a place here. 

People should consider volunteering at camp because it is one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. You can make a direct impact on the lives of these kids, and being in leadership allows you to do it on a large scale. You should do it because it's fun. Sure, it looks good on a resume, too. But that will become the bottom of the list of reasons you keep coming back year after year. 

If you are thinking about applying to a leadership position, do it! It's not as scary as you think! Talk to someone who has been in the role you are considering. Ask them the pros and cons. Trust in yourself! A leadership role is what you make of it, and everyone has the making of a leader if they want to be and apply themselves! And when/if you take on a leadership role, always be taking notes!!!!! This pays off in planning for future sessions, and future you will be thanking past you for the information! 

Ready to step into a leadership role? Click here to apply.