| Volunteer Spotlight |
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Spring 2010:
Jeff Johnson
How many camps have you attended? I have attended 6 Camps now. What is your favorite food? Mexican food and seafood, especially grilled sea bass.
Tell us something about you that many people may not know about you: I am getting my Master's in African American Studies.
How did you come up with your camp name? I came up with my camp name because people used to call me Jazzy Jeff from Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince...then it became Jazzy...then it became Jazz . Everyone calls me that outside of camp too. What is your favorite camp memory? I have many, but I will go with Teen Adventure Camp in San Diego when Mowgli and I had the teen boys.....what a blast !! It was Mowgli and me against the teen boys. Mowgli was heading to the counselor meeting and he was running out the dorm because he was already late and the boys just splashed him with water.....such great fun. Why do you enjoy volunteering with Camp Laurel? Camp Laurel allows me to give back some of me to a cause that affects me personally. I LOVE the campers, staff and counselors. That doesn't happen often in life where you truly feel you are making a small difference for others, as well as yourself. What is a valuable thing you have learned volunteering with Camp Laurel? That you don't always have to be the leader, the loudest one, the most popular, the most athletic, or any of those things to make an impact on these kids lives. All you have to do is just be yourself. I remember first meeting Juan Carlos. He never ever talked. One day I was having a challenging day and he asked me why I wasn't talking. I was surprised this kid could even talk. I told him he never talks, so why should I? He said, "because that's not like you". I almost cried. (Smile) We have been close ever since.
Jayme Turla
Jayme Turla, also known as “Cupcake” in the camp world, is one of our younger volunteers. At the age of 20, Jayme has already participated in three camps with Camp Laurel, as well as volunteered for a number of our day events. She even finds the time to help out in the office with whatever we need in the weeks leading up to camp. This should come as no surprise when looking at her track record.
“Volunteering has always been a part of my life. It all started when I was in middle school and volunteered for the Telfair Elementary School Library. I just don’t feel like I’m doing enough if I don’t make time to volunteer.” Jayme started volunteering with Camp Laurel in the summer of 2007, by volunteering as a counselor at our annual Summer Camp. “I found Camp Laurel by chance when researching volunteer programs online. I knew I wanted to do something different and get out of my element. I wanted to immerse myself in an environment where I would be giving back, as well as learning from others. Camp Laurel gave me both of those.” Jayme fees the two most important things she has learned since volunteering with Camp Laurel are “support” and “compassion”. “The support system Camp Laurel has provided is unmatched. Camp Laurel is a family where everyone has your back. Everyone is cheering each other on to do their best. Whenever I am lost, I feel like Camp Laurel makes things clear again. I have also learned so much about compassion. I never knew I could care about others as much as I have since joining Camp Laurel. The campers become your own kids for a week. I have learned to be responsible for other people’s lives and look out for the well being of others before my own well being. It’s a great feeling.” When Jayme is not volunteering with Camp Laurel, she can often be found volunteering as a counselor at UCLA Unicamp, the Henry Mayo Hospital, and UCLA’s Project Literacy. Jayme is currently a student at UCLA, working towards getting a degree in Political Science. Once she graduates, she would like to attend law school and one day become an attorney. “ Camp Laurel changes lives in the best way possible. I truly believe that. Everyone should have the opportunity to change a life, and be changed in return. I can honestly say, it’s the best thing I’ve ever done in my life thus far, and I am who I am today because of what Camp Laurel has done for me.” Jayme is a shining example of what our future holds for us. She is an individual who cares enough to want to get involved and make a difference in the lives of children youth and families affected by HIV/AIDS. If future young adult generations become as passionate about Camp Laurel as Jayme has, we are in good hands. Thank you Jayme, for all you do! Jessica Eddings
As the campers gather before a meal, voices emerge with a loud and energetic cheer: “Circle, Circle, Circle Up!” Hands are clapping, people are moving, and before you know it, 100+ campers, counselors, and med staff are gathered in a circle ready for announcements. This simple, yet effective cheer was started a few years ago by one of our volunteers, Jessica Eddings (or “J-ezy” as she is known at camp). Jessica was volunteering at Teen Adventure Camp 2007, when she decided as a joke to sing this chant to get her campers to circle up. For reasons unknown, this chant proved to be quite successful with the campers and has since become embedded in Camp Laurel tradition. Although she will never admit it, this is a testament to her dedication to the kids and the love and respect the campers have for her. Through the years the campers have learned to see J-ezy as a “momma bear” figure, and she is one of the first people the campers will turn to whenever they need someone to confide in. When Jessica isn’t busy singing the “Circle Up” chant, she can often be found laughing and screaming, “I Love Kids! I Love Camp!” Jessica first heard about Camp Laurel through a volunteer organization, while a student at Chapman University. She began volunteering with Camp Laurel in 2004 as a Camp Counselor. “Camp Laurel sounded like a neat organization and a lot of fun. My first camp experience was amazing! I had never felt so much love from strangers and I knew I would be doing this for a long time!” This past summer Jessica participated in her ninth camp. “I love getting to watch the kids grow up and see their smiling faces when they get off the bus and run and hug all the returning counselors.” Jessica is not only involved with our organization as a Camp Counselor. She is an active member of the CLVC (Camp Laurel Volunteer Committee), as well as a mentor in our LEAF (Life Enhancement and Fellowship) Mentorship program. She also assists with our annual Holiday Party and walks with our team every year at AIDS Walk LA. Volunteering is something that has always been important to Jessica. Not only has she been volunteering with our organization for the past five years, she has also volunteered with such organizations as Habitat for Humanity and Whittier Hospital as a Junior Volunteer. Jessica was also extremely active in college, coordinating drives for families and children in need. “I just really enjoy helping and serving others!” Her chosen field of study is evidence of this, as she is currently working on getting her master’s in Social Work. As much as Jessica has given to Camp Laurel, Jessica also feels she has received much in return. “Camp really gives me hope about the world. Even though there’s death and destruction all around us, it’s nice to know there are genuinely good people out there and that loving your fellow man is possible! I’ve also learned how resilient people are, especially children. After hearing some of our campers’ stories, and knowing the difficult situations they have to live with, I love seeing their positive can-do attitudes as they get up and do the ropes course or go snorkeling or any of the other activities they never though they would be able to do.” Jessica would also encourage others to volunteer with Camp Laurel. “People should volunteer with Camp Laurel if they want to be part of a wonderful organization that truly impacts children, youth, and families living with HIV. Camp not only makes a difference in the lives of these children, but also makes a difference in the lives of their volunteers. I love camp and I can’t imagine my life without it!” Thank You Jessica, for all you have done, and all you continue to do for our organization!
David Kim By day, David is somewhat of a mad scientist, as he is a biology researcher in the field of immunology. However, when David (or “Tabasco” as he is known at camp) is not working, he is busy spending his time volunteering at Camp Laurel, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering children, youth, and families affected by HIV/AIDS. You can almost always find him singing songs like “There’s a Hole in My Bucket,” writing encouraging words to his fellow counselors, leading Teambuilding activities, and walking around with a tool belt that is filled not with a hammer and nails, but sharpies, tape, pens, and stickers. For David, this is just another typical day at camp. David became a part of the Camp Laurel family in 2002 when he volunteered as a camp counselor for the first time. Initially David was hesitant to apply, as he wasn’t sure if he would make a good counselor. “I eventually decided to close my eyes, plug my nose, and dive in. I’ve been having the time of my life at each and every camp ever since.” David celebrated attending his 18th camp this past February. One of the main reasons David keeps coming back is because of the kids. “The campers are my favorite part of camp, especially the ones coming to camp for the first time. They’re a tad anxious because they’re away from home, perhaps away from their parents for the first time. At the same time they have this suppressed excitement that’s building up because of all the new opportunities, fantastic activities, and wonderful new people. I love meeting these new campers, welcoming them to camp, and seeing them light up with joy.” Although David has been volunteering with us since 2002, volunteering is something that has always been important to David. “Volunteering has always been a part of my life. While I cannot remember exactly when I started to do any volunteering, I can’t imagine my life without it.” In high school, David volunteered with several organizations, one of them being a group he headed that regularly helped out at a local homeless shelter. In college he tutored and mentored kids at a local middle school. Nowadays, when David is not busy volunteering with Camp Laurel, he participates in the occasional beach clean up, or volunteers his time to local charity events. Likewise, David would encourage everyone to find the time to volunteer. “Our jobs, government, and even monetary donations can’t solve all the problems in the world. It really takes the effort of people to make sure our society stays on a path toward progress.” “That first camp in 2002 changed my life. The energy, joy, and love that surrounds this camp is incredible. It’s hard to believe that people who have to live with the stigma of HIV/AIDS every day have such uplifting spirits. But they do, and they uplift my own spirit and help me be a better person. Camp Laurel is something everyone needs to experience in his or her lifetime.” David, thank you for taking the time to make a difference! Click here if you would like to learn more about volunteer opportunities available at Camp Laurel.
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