Jamie Heller: Outstanding Alumni Volunteer 2017Jamie 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. Beatriz Morales #ShareSwiftA 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.
Although I love and support Camp Swift, my story is not mine to tell, but my son’s, Seth. Seth was a counselor in one of the camp sessions that I happen to be volunteering at. He had a 10-year-old boy in his cabin that was his shadow the whole session. I could tell from a far, that this little boy was fascinated with my son and it was truly adorable to watch. All four days, I witnessed this child standing by my son, looking up to him and literally attached to his hip. I found out on the drive home, that this little boy changed my child’s perspective about other’s in a way that I could not have taught him, no matter how hard I tried.
My name is Jordan Traulsen but to hundreds of campers, I’m simply known as Chef Jordan! I have been a proud part of Swift Youth Foundation for as long as I can remember. Literally.
I was introduced to Swift right around the same time I was introduced to solid food, somewhere around my 1-year-old birthday. Swift was an important part of my mother and fathers life growing up and so, by association, Swift was important to me throughout my childhood. That upbringing taught me early on the significance of “giving back” and doing a good deed. Swift provides certainty in uncertain times.
I am certain of one thing, I am certain that the work we are doing at the Swift Youth Foundation is more important now than ever, and here’s why. One constant I have noticed post 2016 election is uncertainty. From friends and family to the news and members of our community, it seems like everyone is uncertain of what is ahead regardless of a personal political stance. Despite this, you can be certain in the work of the Swift Youth Foundation. |
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January 2025
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Swift Youth FoundationIgnites Dreams.
Inspires Learning. Instills Hope. |
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