Helping kids be carefree

Tatyana Fonseca is a longtime volunteer who keeps coming back.

Tatyana’s story

My name is Tatyana and I got involved with Camp Discovery in 2015. I was initially intended to be a camper in 2014, but as a teenager who underestimated the importance of deadlines, I ended up joining as a Counselor-in-Training the following year.

I’ve been lucky to get to know a lot of campers over the course of these nine years, and there’s no doubt that I can markedly see the positive impact that camp has had on their lives — from year to year but many even within the week! Camp allows our campers to learn about themselves, try new activities, and grow in a judgement-free zone. Campers gain confidence, but most importantly they live this week in the comfort that no one will judge them based on what they see.

Kids are supposed to be carefree, and it’s hard to know that a lot of our campers don't feel that way outside of camp, especially around new people. That’s why we make such a big effort to do “Whatever it takes” to make sure our campers have the best time they possibly can! It’s one of the most beautiful and loving environments I’ve ever had the pleasure of being part of.

One of my favorite parts of every year is seeing the kids that come into camp super shy, then by the end of the week have completely come out of their shells, sharing tearing goodbyes and promising that they’ll be back for another year. I cannot explain in words the joy that I feel when I see the beaming face of a long-time camper pulling up to move in for the week. Seeing their excitement as they say hello to their old friends and counselors, knowing that they truly look forward to this week every summer. That’s what keeps me coming back. 

Tatyana (far left) took a group shot with the program staff.

Tatyana (third from right) dressed up at Yzma for the Disney “Who done it?” evening activity, posing with her fellow volunteers.