— By Addison Weaver CRG Volunteer and Past Camper-

I am always excited when I have the opportunity to volunteer with Camp Rainbow Gold, especially when I get to work with campers! Each CRG volunteer opportunity, whether I am working as a counselor or supporting in other ways has been a positive and invigorating experience for me. I was unsure if I was able to set apart time this summer to volunteer amongst all that was going on in my life. Luckily, Spring Family Camp worked out time-wise for me to volunteer and it did not disappoint. I had an absolute blast as I knew I would. CRG is about having fun and enjoying life, a place where we all support each other. This year at Spring Family Camp, the staff did an amazing job at adapting to what was available at Hidden Paradise (due to the weather). My most favorite activity, biking, was unavailable for that week. My heart sank when I heard the news, but I had full faith that a great time would be had regardless of the circumstances. A wondrous time happened regardless of the weather!

My Time as a Camper

I had the blessing of growing up with yearly GRG experiences. During my time as an oncology camper, there was only camp for children with cancer. I have had the pleasure of watching CRG grow into multiple different weeks of camp as well as a year-round program and have tried to be as involved as I could during the process. As a young teen oncology camper, I remember being devastated when I was unable to attend camp one year. Camp had become a huge highlight in my life and each summer. Transitioning from camper to volunteer, I was amazed when I heard they started a sibling camp.

Being a Counselor

As a counselor, I have been able to volunteer at all of the different camps (Youth/Teen/Family/Sibling) and have enjoyed them all immensely. Each is different and yet the same. Interaction with the families and campers is what makes camp what it is. I have found that when you go in with the attitude of helping others have the best time, you end up having a better time as well. I always try to be a positive and optimistic individual. I recognize the negative and the hard parts of life but choose to focus on the positives and how one can overcome and endure. Camp is an avenue where you are able to acknowledge the adverse while also enjoying the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

Looking Ahead

I am not great at pondering my past nor fully recognizing how I have become who I am today but I do know that I would be able to tie and attribute much to my experiences with CRG over the years! I have been richly blessed as an oncology camper and now as a volunteer! I have seen much change in CRG, and while I cherish past camp experiences, I embrace new changes and new experiences and am excited for what the future has in store!