Avery Schultz

Hi, if you have not heard of Swift Youth Organization, it one of my favorite places and I would like to share my story. Here it is:

Last year, I got on the bus to go to Swift not really knowing what I was getting myself into. You hear everyone else's stories, but the truth is you don't know what it will be like for you until you are there. I have been to my summer camp (which we know camp is the best place ever) but never as a counselor and not at Swift. I didn't know either of my cos and I definitely was not really sure what "counselor" meant.  Anyways, Swift has been the most challenging, foreign, and difficult experience in my life, but don't let that fool you. It has also been the most rewarding experience ever. There is nothing like it; I went into the session not knowing either of my cos or what it truly means to be a counselor and came out of it never wanting to leave. T Not only was I able to help provide a home, a place to meet your friends, a safe space, and a place to only have fun to the girls in my cabin and the campers outside of my cabin, but they helped me too. These campers looked up to me and I honestly looked up to them; these kids were able to have fun out of everything and were always willing to try. I eventually met my friends Hayden and Noa's camper and by the end of the session, she and I created a bond I never have had before. She looked up to me and I saw myself in her. By the end of the session saying bye was something I did not really think of at first would be hard, but it was beyond difficult. Swift is rewarding whether you are a counselor or you are giving a donation. It has helped me and I hope you can help us too. I am so beyond grateful to be a part of this and you can too by donating. Thank you!