The Impact of Camp Aranzazu on My Career Path

Written by: Anna Raffaelli, Activity Leader

Working at Camp Aranzazu has given me so many opportunities to grow both professionally and personally. Before my first summer as an activity leader in 2022, I didn’t really know I would enjoy working with children as much as older populations. I always thought that I would be working with adults because that’s the population I had the most experience with. Mid-way through the summer I felt like my heart had completely switched gears, and I grew more curious and passionate about working with younger populations. There’s something about their sweet personalities and goofiness that is so intriguing to me. I find so much joy when I’m able to watch them accomplish their goals throughout time at camp and love seeing them come out of their comfort zones.

Not only has working at Camp Aranzazu helped me find a passion in working with younger populations, but I have also had the privilege of knowing what it means to be a part of a team that is so genuine in the way they care for others. Activity Leaders and the program team members from the full-time camp staff are with each other 24/7, and we experience many highs and lows together. I have learned what true teamwork looks like. When a team is mission-minded, they can literally accomplish anything.

Important lessons I’ve learned include being gritty, practicing grace with myself and others, and having a mindset of gratitude. Camp is a place where I have been able to be my true unapologetic self and where I can work on facilitation, communication, and public speaking skills in front of people who are always going to be encouraging me and helping me better myself. In the future, I plan on carrying these important skills with me and building/shaping a culture similar to the one that I’ve found at Camp Aranzazu.