Five Minutes with our Camp Director

Written by: Amelia Smith, Camp Director

What is unique about camping at Camp Aranzazu?

There are so many things that make Camp Aranzazu unique. It’s the intentionality of our program design and our welcoming culture. It’s our staff — their professionalism, exceptional customer service, and true passion for the work we do. The people who work here are all in. They’re dedicated to our mission. Our location also leads to unique opportunities. We have such an amazing resource with Copano Bay just a trolley ride away from our cabins. Educationally and recreationally — Camp Aranzazu is just different from other places that host summer camps. I’m immensely grateful that I get to be part of it!

Why have you stayed at Camp Aranzazu for so long?

I’ve stayed because I fall in more love with Camp every single year. I liked camp when I started as an activity leader in 2013. I had so much respect for our campers and the program. Each year since then, my love for Camp continues to get deeper and deeper. I feel so connected to the grounds and the vision that Tom and Holly Forney had for Camp Aranzazu. I can’t think of another place I feel as connected to. Camp continues to push me, ground me, and practically raised me as a young adult. Camp Aranzazu is the best use of my energy, time, and heart!

Explain your job in 5 words or less.

Creating spaces that celebrate all people (oops, that was six!)

What has surprised you about working at Camp Aranzazu?

I’ve been surprised to experience so much professional development, fine tuning of my soft skills, and growth as a young leader in the very same place that I’ve thrown painted marshmallows with co-workers. There’s this special dichotomy of playfulness/fun and leadership/management all in the same location. I’ve been able to meet with CEOs, doctors, and specialists and discuss their goals. And then, turn around and laugh with campers about the burp that they’ve just let out — all that can happen at Camp Aranzazu within minutes of each other. It’s such a cool world to be in! There are so many hats I get to wear at Camp, and I appreciate that odd balance.

What is your favorite memory at Camp Aranzazu?

I really love those moments when campers are just getting off the bus or hopping out of the car. In our first-time campers you can just feel the anticipation, nerves, excitement (hopefully) — and you know there’s this great adventure that’s about to start. When it’s our returning campers there’s an added jolt of joy and enthusiasm in that moment of reconnection. You’re finally back together again in one of your favorite places on earth, and it’s like the world is set right! Camp always feels the most whole to me when our campers arrive.

I care so deeply about these people — our campers, our partners. When they first arrive at camp, there’s this incredibly sweet moment where it all comes together. I think to myself, “We’ve been waiting for you — planning and preparing with you in mind. We’ve been so excited for you to get here and now you’re here, it’s time!” It’s such a special moment to get to welcome our campers to a place that was created and a week that was curated with them and their needs at the heart of it all. We want everyone to truly feel at home here. We may never see them after their time at camp, but we still pour our heart and love into the people we serve. So, my favorite memory of camp is the genuine homecoming with our campers.