Sean is a dedicated camp counselor who has been an invaluable staff member at Quest’s Camp Thunderbird. Originally from England, his journey to become a camp counselor started in 2013 while earning his sports science degree at the University of Sunderland.
Sean’s Journey From England to Camp Thunderbird
Seeking new experiences, Sean accepted a chance to work abroad at Camp Thunderbird, a traditional summer camp for adults with developmental disabilities. It was his first time in America, but he found the courage to step out of his comfort zone and build meaningful friendships. He returned to camp as a counselor for two consecutive summers, then again in the summers of 2018 and 2019.
“It is a great feeling for [clients] to recognize you, be happy to see you and to continue working on those relationships. That goes for staff, too. I still speak to people I met 10 years ago, and it’s a huge part of my life.”
Making an Impact as a Camp Counselor
Sean’s first experience at camp changed his trajectory. Upon graduation, he notes that he never utilized his degree. However, working with individuals with developmental disabilities allowed him to apply his skills and led to a fulfilling career in England.
After relocating to Florida in 2022, Sean returned strictly as a volunteer during the off-season, assisting with cleaning, maintenance and various tasks. His genuine passion for making a positive difference set the stage for his remarkable return as a camp counselor this 2024 camp season. One of his favorite things to witness is how much guests look forward to camp.
“The countdown to camp is special to them. By giving guests your time, you support them through their experience, ensuring they have fun and build relationships. Guests remember those things for the rest of their lives,” he says.
It also brings Sean immense joy to see relief on the faces of the guests’ parents. Not many programs allow parents or guardians to leave their loved ones and know they will be safe and have fun, but Camp Thunderbird offers just that.
Personal Growth and New Opportunities at Camp Thunderbird
Camp Thunderbird prides itself on providing a freeing platform for guests to take ownership of their lives through choice programming. Sean is dedicated to this mission, working with guests to accomplish goals. Whether a guest is new at archery and finally hits a target or is afraid of the pool but finally gets in the water, he is delighted to see them thrive.
Sean’s story inspires us all, reminding us of the transformative power of stepping into the unknown and embracing new opportunities. His genuine dedication to the camp community and passion for making a difference make him a valuable asset to the Camp Thunderbird family.
“I am not the same person I was,” Sean reflects. “The experiences you build don’t just apply to work at Camp Thunderbird. You gain a work ethic you can apply to anything in life.”
