Community service is merely a word for many people and is often times followed by the word “college” or “required hours”. This was true for me too, however, over the past three years this has changed as I have experienced something unlike anything before, which is Campus Ministry. Campus Ministry is a program at my school which give students an opportunity to do service in the local community. Through this program, I was introduced to a whole new world, the world of service. Over the past few years the phrase “community service” has gained a deeper meaning for me. I have had the opportunity to serve from as close as my local community to as far as outside the country. Each experience, both big and small, add to the meaning of community service and make it that much more important to me. One service outreach that has had a significant impact on me is volunteering at Camp Fatima of NJ.
Camp Fatima of NJ is a week long summer camp for children with special needs. This week long camp gives these children a week of fun dedicated to them, and gives their family a time to relax and not have to worry about their child. Everyone who works at Camp Fatima is a volunteer and all the money put into camp is either donated or acquired through fundraising. Every aspect of this camp is truly an act of kindness and everyone and everything about camp defines the meaning of community service. Each volunteer is dedicated to make the week spectacular for each camper and by the end of the week memories, which will last a lifetime, are formed.
Volunteering for camp Fatima was a truly humbling experience for me. Going in I was nervous and didn’t know what to expect. No matter what people told me it didn’t justify what I was about to experience. Each and every camper was welcomed with the camp song as people clapped and cheered for them. Throughout the first day as campers arrived it was amazing to see all the bonds and friendships that were being reunited. The first day was a bit hard as I tried to find my place but slowly I got to meet some of the campers and by the second day it all clicked. All the campers were so welcoming and loving making it impossible not to smile. One camper that I made a close bond to was a boy named Jack. It was his first year at camp and he was very shy but it didn’t take long before we became friends. I will never forget the smile on his face after the camp wide color run. Before the run I was giving him a piggy back ride and sure enough when the run started, he insisted on staying on my back.  When the run was over I was exhausted but Jack was so happy as he was covered in different colors and had completed the run. This was one of many moments which made me realize the reason for all this. As people would say throughout the week, “whatever it takes”, and literally everyone at Camp Fatima did whatever it took to make it the best week for the campers.
All the volunteers and campers are truly inspiring. Camp Fatima has helped me take a step back from my life and reflect on all the little things I take for granted. It has helped me appreciate all the gifts I see how I can use my gifts to make a difference. I am honored and it is a privilege to be a part of something that is so special for so many people. Camp Fatima is a home and family for so many people and is something that has become an important part in my life. Community Service is something that has become a part of me and is something that I love and am passionate about. It is an experience like this that makes community service so much more than a word or requirement. There are too many words to describe this experience and the impact it has had on me but I hope to continue to grow and learn through community service and Camp Fatima.