Employee Perspective: Volunteer Time Off - The Gift That Gives Back
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Ethan Carter
Digital Program Manager, InVision Communications
Employee Perspective: Volunteer Time Off - The Gift That Gives Back
I was so excited when an email popped up in my inbox with the subject line, “We Want You Back!” from Experience Camps.
If you’re wondering what Experience Camps is, first and foremost, it’s a nonprofit that supports the nation’s 5.3 million bereaved children, and runs a network across 6 chapters of no-cost summer camps and year-round programs focusing on healing, therapy, and of course, fun. In particular, the week-long grief camps during the summer are structured to help reframe the experience of grief and empower kids with the necessary coping skills to move forward with their lives.
You may ask, “How did you find out about ExCamps?”
Better yet, “What drew you to this organization in particular?”
Well, let me explain….
Where loss and community come together
I come from a large family, one where, at a young age, I was often the volunteer to watch over nieces and nephews, entertain them and be their minder as the need arose. Though sadly, during that time when I was around 16, I was “removed from my family” and community who didn’t accept me for reasons due to both religion and tradition. I had to deal with the trauma of loss or even abandonment I experienced and subsequent stages of grief went on for many years. Again, more recently with the death of both my parents, that loss has revisited me.
Through this, however, I’ve recognized a connection between my own story and that of others who have lost a person or maybe never had someone to care for them. And that connection, that shared pain, is something that drives me to help others realize they are not alone. There is someone who cares.
So, it was a perfect match when I was out for coffee in 2019 with a professional colleague discussing things in life that are important to us, the endeavors that bring fulfillment in helping others. I shared some of my background, my efforts at that time to reconnect with my parents in their later years and my drive to find a community where I could really make a difference.
Well, you guessed it, she happened to be involved with Experience Camps. I remember her clearly saying it has been her passion, and the organization really has a positive impact on kids’ lives, their families and yes - also the staff. After telling me a bit more about the program and its mission, I knew I had to be a part of this.
“Working for InVision Communications, a company with a culture that supports giving back initiatives with paid time off to volunteer, I can plan to give back my time “for the kids” without hesitation.”
Four summers of volunteering later…
I’m now coming out of my fourth summer with this community and being with these incredible kids is one of the best things I’ve done all my life. There’s been a lot to learn, a lot of difficult situations along the way that certainly had me questioning if this was really the path to set out in giving back, but let me tell you: the growth and development you see each year these kids come back, the bonds they form with their cabin buddies and the camp itself, it really is (as we say at camp) the “best week ever!”
The staff both at the campsite and the ExCamps team work tirelessly leading up to and during the week to program so many fun activities that include archery, rock-climbing, ping-pong, swimming, water-skiing, tubing, basketball, pickle-ball, so much more!
There’s a version of color-wars, game nights, talent shows plus, arts and crafts, culinary, and a spa day!
Of course, one of the key elements is the clinical sessions which are led by a team of highly skilled grief specialists there to work with the kids in addressing their grief and helping them find the path back to happiness. In my role as a cabin counselor, I learn so much from these professionals who also give their time freely to be there.
Exhaustion + a huge payoff
Being a counselor is equal parts rewarding as it is exhausting as I’m with our cabin almost the entire week along with a team of co-counselors that make up a tight little family with our kids to make sure they’re eating, brushing their teeth and getting to their activities on time and getting into bed so I can read them a chapter or two of a storybook before lights out.
Many of the kids’ own life-stories can be tough to handle and yet, they are so strong and so big-hearted. They recognize a shared grief and show such camaraderie for each other. You can check out a few facts and figures about the issue.
Needless to say, I responded back, and already have my acceptance letter.
InVision proudly offers volunteer time off to employees to support their chosen organizations. To learn more, get involved, or donate to Ethan’s cause, click here.