Emily Schuh Makes Forever Friendships as RAD Camp Volunteer (Click here to read more)

“My Heart Was Full All Week” Shares Emily Schuh on Being a Camp Volunteer 

As a volunteer counselor at RAD (Rising Above Disabilities) Camp this summer, Memorial Junior Emily Schuh gained a new perspective about people and made forever friendships. 

RAD Camp offers programs and camps for adults and children with developmental disabilities, much deserved respite for their caregivers, and a life-changing volunteer experience for the local community. It is a volunteer run non-profit organization that offers one-on-one attention with a 1:1 ratio of camper to counselor.

Emily heard about RAD Camp through a family friend, who is now a team leader with the camp. “I wanted to apply as a volunteer counselor because I love helping others,” said Emily “and being able to dedicate a week to someone with a developmental disability was something I thought would be so special and unique.”  

Before being selected as a volunteer camp counselor, Emily had to submit an application, write a one page essay on why she wanted to be a counselor, provide two sealed letters of recommendation, and go through a personal interview.  The weeklong camp was held at the Irvine Outdoor Education Center in Orange. 

Emily was selected and teamed with her camper buddy Teresa, who is 23 years old and has down syndrome. “I was responsible for her needs 24 hours a day; I had to make sure I understood what she needed and what she could do or not do, eat, etc.” according to Emily.  “I had a support team to help me at all times, but I was the one ultimately responsible for Teresa’s well-being and that she had a GREAT time at camp.”

“Teresa is a very independent, fun, sweet and positive girl,” Emily said. “She is also a DJ (with the help of her dad) and loves to dance. She truly enjoyed sitting down with me and having heart to heart conversations. My buddy also loved to take pictures and listen to music.  She made me smile all the time!” 

A typical day at camp started and ended with her buddy Teresa.  “I stayed in the same dorm room with my buddy; we woke up every morning at a certain time, got ready for the day, ate breakfast together, and then went to different classes everyday,” explained Emily. 

“For instance, one day we had a music class and made a music video for the closing ceremony,” she said.  “We always had free time to do whatever we wanted, and my camper always liked to go to our room and talk. We then ate lunch together and danced to a band playing at lunch.  After lunch, we went to an art class where art projects were made to take home.”

There was pool time every afternoon to swim and/or more free time, shared Emily. “Following afternoon free time, we would eat dinner together. There was a different activity after dinner every day; one night was Movie Night on the grass, with an ice cream truck and a movie projector.”

The best thing about being a volunteer at RAD Camp, noted Emily, was being able to make forever friendships with not only her camper, but with the other campers. “I was able to bond with so many of the campers, who were all adults; while we were eating a meal, at pool time, during a class, or even when I walked past someone and they would wave and come give me a hug.” 

Emily learned many life-changing lessons during her experience as a RAD Camp volunteer. “I learned that everyone with a developmental disability has so much to offer to this world; my heart was full all week.  All of these people have the biggest hearts. They are truly inspiring and can make such a positive impact on others,” shared Emily.

“I learned to embrace all the campers' disabilities and let them shine the way God created them to be. They all changed my life and made me realize that a genuine smile and a hug is a good recipe for a happy heart!” she exclaimed. “I actually can't wait to go back again next summer;  I would definitely recommend this camp to anyone!”