Swift Youth Foundation is pleased to announce that teen volunteer Beatriz Morales has been named the Outstanding Young Woman of the Year for District 3 by the City of Phoenix. 

This program recognizes and honors the outstanding achievements of young people, enhances the perception of youth and raises community awareness of the positive contributions of youth.  Each year, 16 high school students are selected as council district winners and recognized at an event, along with the mentor who inspired them the most.  Each of the district winners receives a cash award. 

Beatriz, a North Canyon High School 11th grade IB student, was recognized alongside other District winners at an event on April 27, 2017 attended by District Representative Debra Stark and Mayor Greg Stanton.

The Swift Youth Foundation was first introduced to Beatriz when she was a camper at Camp Swift when she was in elementary school.  Beatriz returned to volunteer with Swift Youth Foundation as a counselor in 2015.  She is an outstanding leader for the organization. In addition to volunteering at Swift’s weekly Swift after School program at Palomino Intermediate, Beatriz is a member of Swift’s youth board. As a member of this board, Beatriz recently worked with her fellow board members to raise over $13,300 for the organization on Arizona Gives Day.  Swift Youth Foundation is exceptionally grateful for and proud of the work Beatriz has done for the Swift Youth Foundation as well as for her community.

Mark Kaplan is the proud recipient of the Outstanding Board Member for 2017! We interviewed Mark to find out more about what he loves so much about Swift!

Q: How long have you been involved with Swift?
Mark: 22 years

Q: What is your favorite Camp Swift activity?
Mark: Ropes/Cooking

Q: What is your favorite thing to eat at Camp Swift?
Mark: Whatever I make for snacks

Q: What is your greatest/most memorable experience with Swift?
Mark: Too many to count in my 22 years. Many years, many tears (of laughter and joy) But two are lasting memories :1) The road from near disbandment to where we are today. 2) Watching my kids grow up with Swift from coming up as pre-teens with me to volunteer, to being counselors and now support staff.

Q: What has Swift given you that makes giving back to the organization worth your while?
Mark: The pride of accomplishment and achievement in our goals and expanding programs - a dream being fulfilled.  And, of course, being able to be a part of the Happiest Place on Earth.  Peace, Love, Happiness!

Jamie Heller is the proud recipient of the Outstanding Alumni Volunteer for 2017! We interviewed her to find out more about her experience with Swift.

​Q: How long have you been involved with Swift?
Jamie: 23 years

Q: What is your favorite Camp Swift activity?
Jamie: Values programs

Q: What is your favorite thing to eat at Camp Swift?
Jamie: Salad Bar

Q: What is your greatest/most memorable experience with Swift?
Jamie: Participating in the trust fall activity on the ropes course with a youngest boys cabin when the capers caught a male counselor that was much bigger than all of the campers.  Then, observing the campers' faces that showed their accomplishment,  self-confidence, and ability to successfully complete an activity they thought was impossible.

Q: What has Swift given you that makes giving back to the organization worth your while?
Jamie: Swift has given me a greater appreciation for Mitzvot and Tikkun Olam, unforgettable memories, leadership and mentoring skills, and a passion/dedication for helping/mentoring under-served youth.