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LITTLE FALLS, Minn. (8/7/2012) — Volunteers are the backbone
of any service organization. It is especially true for the
Minnesota National Guard Youth Camp. More than 100
volunteers helped make a difference in the lives of children
during the camps held at Camp Ripley in central Minnesota,
July 22-Aug. 4, 2012.
Campers and volunteers posed for a photo
on the ramp of a C130 static display during Military Day of the
Minnesota National Guard Youth Camps, which were held at Camp Ripley
in central Minnesota, July 22 to Aug 4, 2012. Photo by Senior Master
Sgt. Mark Moss, July 27, 2012 |
"Everybody pitched in," said
Doug Wortham, the camp director for the second week of Youth
Camp. "We had a great group of volunteers."
The
volunteers are current and retired members of the Minnesota
National Guard, along with spouses and children of Guard
members. They came from all over the state of Minnesota and
one retired Guard member came from Washington to volunteer
for a week.
“I do it for the kids,” said Judy
Fernaays, a volunteer who retired from the 133rd Air Wing.
“It is also very rewarding for me.” Fernaays came from
Silverdale, Wash., to volunteer during the first week of
Youth Camp.
“It is my favorite time of the summer,”
said Abigail Federico, a volunteer from St. Cloud, Minn. “It
is awesome watching the kids learn and grow throughout the
week.”
The volunteers serve as camp counselors, bus
drivers, medics, activities staff, logistical support and
admin support. Activities at the camp include biking,
hiking, canoeing, swimming, arts and crafts, riflery,
archery, rappelling and sports. Patriotism is also a big
part of the camps. The U.S. and Youth Camp flags are raised
and lowered by the campers each day. Patriotic songs sung
throughout the camp and a ceremony is held to show the
children how to properly dispose of the U.S. Flag. The
children are taught how to march and also sleep in the same
barracks that their parents have while training at Camp
Ripley.
There are two camps during each week. Youth
Camp is for 10- to 12-year-old children and Teen Camp is for
13- to 15-year-olds. There is also a junior counselor (JCs)
program for 16-18- year- olds. Junior Counselors are an
integral part of camp as they bridge the age gap between
campers and adult counselors. They are expected to
demonstrate leadership, motivation, creativity, and
maturity; and to be present for and participate in all Youth
Camp activities throughout the week.
“It was an
awesome experience,” said Sam Loidolt, a JC from Brooklyn
Park, Minn. “It means a lot to be able to help kids who are
going through the same things that I have experienced.”
Loidolt has experienced life as a child of a military
member. His dad, Brig. Gen. Neal Loidolt, has been a member
of the Minnesota National Guard for more than 25 years and
deployed to Iraq two times.
“It was rewarding to be
able to help the campers and I definitely want to come back
as a JC next year,” said Loidolt.
The volunteers put
in long days and are exhausted by the end of the week, but
they say it is all worth it to make a difference in a
child's life.
“The word of the day for Wednesday was
‘Selflessness' which really defines our volunteers,” said
Wortham.
More photos available in frame below
By Army Master Sgt. Rich Kemp
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2012
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