Camp Morty

Happy Thursday! Here's a cheerful throwback to last December when our Essential Goods for Basic Needs program connected Camp Morty with new toys and food items for campers and their families at Camp Morty's holiday celebration. These toys were part of nearly 5,000 toys distributed to the community in the 2024 holiday season.

Summer is officially over ??, but what better time to share the incredible experience I had working at Camp Morty in North Salem, NY through Camp America over my summer break! ???? After two challenging years completing my A-Levels at sixth form, I couldn't think of a better way to spend my summer before starting university than by taking on the rewarding role of a camp counsellor at a camp abroad. I knew I wanted to make a real difference, and after browsing the various vacancies on the Camp America website, I found Camp Morty—an inspiring, non-profit sleepaway camp in New York. The camp’s mission is to provide children, receiving temporary services through Westchester County’s Department of Social Services, with a fun and enriching outdoor experience, and I knew this was the type of cause I wanted to dedicate my time to. As I packed my bags, ready to embark on this adventure, I knew I was about to have the summer of a lifetime. Despite my nerves at travelling solo for the first time, I was excited not only to meet my amazing coworkers but also to work with the incredible kids I’d have the privilege of guiding and supporting. Camp Morty exceeded all my expectations. From teaching outdoor skills to bonding over campfires, it was such a joy to witness the children's confidence grow as they tried new things and made lasting friendships. It was an honour to be part of their summer memories and contribute to a place where every child was encouraged to thrive. ?? But the adventure didn’t stop there! After camp ended, I used my visa to travel solo across America and even explored parts of the Caribbean. ???? Traveling alone helped me develop independence, resilience, and the confidence to step out of my comfort zone. Along the way, I made friends from all over the world, gaining new perspectives and learning how to navigate different cultures and environments. These experiences not only enriched my personal growth but also sharpened my communication and problem-solving skills. This journey has left me with newfound resilience, teamwork skills, and a deeper sense of purpose. I'm beyond grateful for the memories, the connections, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. If you're ever looking for a way to spend your summer while making a difference, I can't recommend Camp America and solo travel enough! #CampAmerica #CampMorty #SummerOfALifetime #SoloTravel #MakingADifference #LeadershipJourney #TravelSkills