JASY Camp

From Volunteer to Board Member

Since the first JASY Camp in 2006, the organization has built long-term relationships in Kingston, Jamaica with leadership, venues, staff, local businesses, and the communities from which the JASY campers are from. The First Presbyterian Church of Pittsford and St. John Fisher College, both located in Rochester, NY, are biennial volunteer sponsors of the JASY organization.

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I applied and was selected for the JASY volunteer program as a swim instructor. Following graduation in 2018, I traveled to Jamaica with the team where I had the opportunity to engage in teaching and learning from our campers, cultural exchange, and creating a positive, fun, and joyful atmosphere.

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Aside from teaching swimming lessons, values, and camp themes, I also volunteered as an on-site JASY media coordinator. The role involved preparing a 2018 blog website and blogging each day of camp while collaborating with other media volunteers for photos and videos to publish across the blog and social media channels.

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After witnessing the impact of JASY through the smiles on campers' faces and the energy in their hugs and high-fives, I sought a position on the JASY Board of Directors to stay involved in the organization. As a board member, I continue to share the mission, impact, and fundraising goals of JASY via social media management. I've led the launch and maintenance of the JASY Instagram account and newsletter where we've increased our communications and engaged alumni and prospective volunteers. More importantly, I've celebrated the small victories experienced at Camp with over a hundred Jamaican kids and witnessed Jamaican students who grow, graduate, and return to the program as mature, compassionate volunteers to help the next generation find a week of hope and fun each summer.