Leadership Beyond Governanace

My journey with camp started in 2016 when I was an intern in the West

Michigan area. I grew up out of state and had few ties to the area. I was tasked with helping to coordinate a volunteer outing for my work team. Camp Sunshine was an organization that the company supported financially, and it was recommended as an area to volunteer. From my first interaction with Camp Sunshine, the experience was friendly and joyful. 

This one day with camp was all I needed. I immediately felt the love and sense of belonging that Camp Sunshine offers, and I knew I had to continue my involvement! My day at camp reminded me of friends that I had in middle and high school, and how I wanted everyone to have all the same amazing experiences that I was able to have growing up. As a child, summer camp was a place where I truly felt alive. The values instilled with me at my childhood camp are what shaped me into the person that I am today. Summer camp is something that everyone should get to experience. Camp Sunshine removes all barriers, welcoming everyone to the camp experience!

My experience with Camp Sunshine started as a day-volunteer, progressed into counselor, then onto a Professional Alumni Leader (PAL), to board member and now includes serving as the Board President. What I find to be exciting is the ability to pull all of my camp experiences together to help guide the direction of this wonderful organization. Leadership is a journey that begins long before formal leadership roles, rooted in hands-on experience and day-to-day work. It is within this space that Camp Sunshine’s mission and values are learned through its culture, which forms the foundation for thoughtful, strategic planning for the future. 

In many cases, the Board of Directors for a non-profit organization is primarily focused on governing the organization. This includes strategic planning at a high level, along with ensuring the organization is operating both legally and ethically. At Camp Sunshine, it brings great joy that board members are active beyond just this oversight role. Each time the board meets, we spend some time focusing on the mission of Camp Sunshine. There is no better way to introduce our mission, culture, and values than attending one of the many events throughout the year. Having leaders in our organization that are fully invested and present in our programs helps to build and strengthen trust between involved families, volunteers, and partners. These relationships facilitate a culture of continuous improvement of our offerings at Camp Sunshine. 

The Board of Directors for Camp Sunshine are a group of individuals with various skills and experiences and many perspectives. This is crucial to ensure that a wide variety of thoughts, ideas, and knowledge are considered when making decisions. All opinions matter and everyone has a chance to have their voice heard. Our board members bring strategic guidance for large initiatives and organizational growth. Together, with the staff, board members help to bring new ideas to life. 

It is such a joy to not only serve as a volunteer in our camp programming, but also on our Board of Directors. Being a director has provided the opportunity to bring some of my personal camp experiences together with strategic initiatives within Camp Sunshine and help the organization to continue to grow and expand. In every part of my life - from camp experiences, to family values, to technical skills, Camp Sunshine is the space that I can enter into and feel loved and valued while still having opportunities to be challenged, learn, and grow as an individual. I look forward to continuing this work alongside an incredible team of staff and volunteers!

While there are a lot of reasons that Camp Sunshine needs supportive volunteers, it is my hope that each of our volunteers find their own meaning and value from time spent within the space of Camp Sunshine. I am grateful to the many volunteers who lead with love, selflessly serve, and foster growth in our organization alongside the community. I’d like to share a special shout out to Lois who has served as Board President for the past couple of years, providing the organization with invaluable guidance and leadership. I am grateful to have Lois as a mentor that will be assisting in transition efforts while completing her board term.