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I graduated from Arizona State University In the fall of 2020. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and a minor in Educational Studies from the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College. I GREW UP IN DENVER, COLORADO AND CAME TO PHOENIX FOR THE HEAT, AND HAVE LOVED EVERY STIFLING DAY SINCE. I LOVE BEING OUTDOORS, HIKING, AND EXPLORING THE CITY.

How did you first become involved with Swift Youth Foundation?
I first became involved with Swift as a Swift After School volunteer at Swift Club ASU, after finding them at an involvement fair not long after I started at ASU. Going to Swift After School quickly became part of my weekly schedule and my favorite of my week. I officially joined the Swift staff in January 2020.

Why did you decide to more deeply support Swift and join the Swift Staff?
I decided to join the Swift staff because I had fallen in love with going into the schools every week and getting to interact with the kids. By joining the staff, I hoped to be able to make even more of an impact in the schools and at camp because of how much I support and believe in the work the Swift Youth Foundation is doing. I believe that the impact has only begun and that Swift will continue to touch the lives of children, preparing them for their potential and supporting the community as a whole.

What is your favorite Swift program and why?
My favorite Swift program is Swift After School because it was how I was introduced to the organization so it will always hold a special place in my heart but in addition to that, I believe the After School programs have the unique pleasure of going into the youth’s world and allowing us to work with them in their own setting and be a part of their lives in their community. It is gratifying and humbling for me to be offered the pleasure to interact with these children in their world and hopefully have an impact on them.

At Camp Swift, are you Team Grilled Cheese or Team Tomato Soup?
I of course, am Team Grilled Cheese! Between my love for cheese and bread and my lack thereof for tomato soup, I am Team Grilled Cheese through and through.

Each year approximately 125 high school teens serve as volunteer counselors at Camp Swift. Their time at Camp Swift is often described as "the most life-changing and eye-opening experience" they have ever had. For teens who want to continue their leadership journey and expand on their social, communication, and leadership skills; Swift offers year-round growth development opportunities. One of these opportunities is Team Swift.

Team Swift members are all former teen mentor counselors who chose to take their leadership journey to the next level and act as ambassadors for the organization. From taking on fundraising campaigns to engaging in community outreach activities and assisting with Swift program development and facilitation, Team Swift members are empowered to play an active role in running our nonprofit organization! So with out further ado....

Meet our team!

Connor Pitts

Brophy '21

2 Years With Swift
TEAM GRILLED CHEESE

"I'm here for the fun!"

Ella Grosel

BASIS '21

1 Year With Swift
TEAM GRILLED CHEESE

"I'm here for the good memories of working with Swift."

Tyler Dawson

BROPHY '20

2 Years With Swift
TEAM GRILLED CHEESE

"I'm here for the opportunity to learn more about my values and get more involved in my community."

Nolan Lopez

BROPHY '21

2 Years With Swift
TEAM GRILLED CHEESE

"I'm here for the chance to make an impact on others."

Anna Casey

PCDS '21

1 Year With Swift
TEAM GRILLED CHEESE

"I'm here for the kids and fun."

Alexis Hatch

SunnySlope '20

4 Years With Swift
TEAM GRILLED CHEESE

"I'm here to make great memories with kids and have fun!"

Naman Kulkami

BROPHY '22

1 Year With Swift
TEAM GRILLED CHEESE

"I'm here for the team building opportunities and chances to interact with kids who really enjoy it."

Sam Bloom

Basis '21

3 Years With Swift
TEAM GRILLED CHEESE

"I'm here for the kids and to make a positive change in my community!"

Malarie Green

HORIZON '22

1 Year With Swift
TEAM GRILLED CHEESE

"I'm here for the new experiences."

Josh Bleimeyer

Chaparral '21

1 Year With Swift
TEAM GRILLED CHEESE

"I'm here for the adventure!"

Lena Weissman

Pinnacle '21

2 Years With Swift
TEAM TOMATO SOUP

"I'm here for the opportunity to be more involved with Swift year round."

Patrick Nowlen

BrOPHY '20

2 Years With Swift
TEAM GRILLED CHEESE

"I'm here for the opportunities to help others and chances for leadership growth with Swift."

Parker Zidel

CICERO '21

1 Year With Swift
TEAM GRILLED CHEESE

"I'm here for the memories"

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Swift Club at ASU Presents: Swift University!

11/18/2019

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On Saturday, November 16, 2019, our Swift Saturday program was fortunate enough to have 40 enthusiastic Arizona State University students take over our regularly scheduled program and facilitate the "Swift University" program they created.

Swift University was a program created and grant funded by the Swift Club at ASU. Featuring a focus on STEM based learning, the program encouraged Swift youth to experience four different areas of learning including; Physics, Psychology, English, and Chemistry. Swift youth spent the day exploring each area of study through different stations of hands-on learning in a fun and uniquely Swift way!

Check out the slideshow of photos from the day! A huge thank you to Alyssa Manzo and the Swift Club at ASU! This was an incredible day of learning that our Swift youth will never forget! If you'd like to learn more about the Swift Club at ASU, please contact Alyssa Manzo, Club President.

Interested in starting a Swift Club at your school? Start your leadership journey with our resources here!

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Camp Swift 2020 Dates

10/18/2019

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Session 1
May 21st - Support Staff Orientation
May 22nd - Counselor Orientation
May 23rd - 27th Camp Swift 2020 - Session 1

Session 2
July 27th - Support Staff Orientation
July 28th - Counselor Orientation
July 29th - August 2nd Camp Swift 2020 - Session 2

Don't forget to stay connected with Swift through the newsletter and be the first to fill out your volunteer application when they are released in February!

Wanna share this amazing experience with your favorite friends?
Share the Swift Newsletter with them!

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Grilled cheese gazette

Meet Hannah Dowd!

2019 Swift Annual Review

Meet Team Swift 2019-20!

Meet our team!

Swift Club at ASU Presents: Swift University!

Camp Swift 2020 Dates

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