Breaking Barriers with swift

Beatriz Morales #ShareSwift

​A Camp Swift flyer at my school is all that it took for me to have thousands of flash backs about my experience as a camper at Camp Swift. I never knew that Camp Swift was going to shape who I am now. 

Last year, I started to attend more Swift Youth Foundation’s programs including Club Swift and Swift after School. My participation led to reflecting on my childhood, especially the times I spent at Camp Swift. During my sessions as a camper, I remember being a shy girl who didn't want to sing at mealtimes, especially not at the top of my lungs! I remember at that time not wanting to let people into who I really was. I had always kept my thoughts to myself. Camp Swift helped me realize that was a flaw I had to overcome. Although my memories are vague, I am certain that I had a blast. One of my best memories was making ice cream for the first time; the whole process was intriguing to me.

After I saw that flyer, I knew I needed to get involved! Yet, it said that Camp Swift wasn’t going to start until September. What a bummer, especially since I really wanted to be a camp counselor! I knew I wanted to volunteer with a familiar organization where I had a good feeling that I was going to like it. That was when I walked into my first Club Swift meeting and saw Kaylie, the Executive Director, who indeed was the most cheerful, outgoing person you will ever encounter.
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My first year doing Swift after School was extremely memorable. I didn’t only enjoy the time playing with kids, but I also got to see the real difference I was making through this outstanding organization. One boy in particular stood out, he was an extremely shy boy. He would never talk or want to be sociable. I realized that we must take small steps in order to achieve progress with this child. Like the saying goes, “it takes small rocks to move a mountain.” Every week I would try to get him excited, encouraged him, and compliment him. I wouldn't force him to have the most fun he possibly could because I knew that it would be hard for him. I had a feeling we would need to be more patient.

As the last meeting of Swift after School approached, he began to interact and engage, not just with me, but with his fellow classmates. That was when I saw him at the last meeting, running around and fooling around, just like any other child. I was speechless of what I had done with a few simple steps!

I know now that I am capable of helping to change someone’s life for the better. What else can you want in life other than the feeling of accomplishment? Swift is not just about having fun, it’s about breaking barriers!

Beatriz Morales

Beatriz is currently a member of Team Swift and is fundraising for Arizona Gives Day! Donate today and Break Barriers with Swift at www.azgives.org/beatriz.