Quest’s Camp Thunderbird begins in early June and we’re thrilled to introduce our new Camp Director, Noelle Arcaro! Although new to the position, Noelle has been working at Camp Thunderbird for nearly four years. That investment entails a thorough knowledge of our programs and goals and forged relationships with many of our regular camp guests — which makes her a perfect fit for the position!
We sat down with Noelle for a question-and-answer session to learn a little bit more about her and what draws her to Camp life.
What brought you to Quest’s Camp Thunderbird?
After my first year of college, I wanted a summer job that meant more to me than something to pass the time with until the next semester. I found Camp Thunderbird, and the fact that it’s a summer camp for adults made it stick out to me.
I started working at camp in summer 2018. I began as a member of activity staff, doing everything from crafts, sports, music and archery. My second year, I became the activity lead, then a manager, and now I’m the camp director!
What’s your favorite camp activity and why?
Everyone at camp knows I have a soft spot for arts and crafts. My favorite craft to do with guests is probably yarn-wrapped owls. Or paper bowl jellyfish! I can’t pick just one!
What’s a unique fact or anecdote about you that you’d like to share about yourself?
I did powerlifting throughout college and still love to go lift when I get the chance.
What are you most excited about this summer?
Getting to see our amazing team work together to create the most fun summer environment for our guests!
Did you previously have experience with individuals with disabilities? What inspires you most about our guests?
I have worked with individuals with disabilities in a few other settings, but mostly children.
There is so much to learn from each and every one of our guests. A lot of people come to work here and are excited to help others learn, but the guests are the ones who end up teaching us all more than we could have imagined. Even when it comes to Camp itself, the guests are the ones who have shaped the culture here, so we lean on them to help us continue to grow that.
What new things can guests look forward to at Camp this summer?
Nature Lives Here! It’s a project we’ve been working on all year with lots of different stations where guests can get involved in nature. There’s even an upcycled greenhouse.
Tell us your favorite and why!
Camp Food: Mashed potatoes. Lots of carbs to fuel up for activity filled camp days!
Camp song: The Hippo Song!
Evening Program: Opening night campfire! We have s’mores, sing songs, and everyone gets to make new friends while we kick off their first night here at camp.
Camp game: Thundercup water balloon games