The entrance to the Munroe-Meyer Institute’s Recreation Therapy Department is bustling for seven weeks each summer.
Campers come in each day, excited for a day full of swimming, cooking, entertainment and friendship.
Behind the scenes, a large, rotating crew of volunteers help MMI staff keep camp rolling during the summer months.
The sessions offer a summer camp experience for youth who might face challenges participating in other summer programs without special assistance. But it also gives volunteers health care experience, in addition to teaching them empathy and responsibility.
After hearing how much fun her older brother had as a Camp Munroe volunteer, Lily Sewell knew she wanted to give it a try.
And it stuck.
Sewell, 15, is in her third summer as a Camp Munroe volunteer. Her twin brother joined, too.
The camp experience has been “magical,” she said. Sewell enjoys getting to know campers and seeing their big smiles every day.
“It brings me joy to share this experience with the campers,” she said. “They teach me so much as well. This experience is unlike any other.”
Sewell typically signs up to volunteer one week per summer. If any drop-in volunteers are needed, she’s eager to help out.
Camp Munroe led Sewell to a volunteer opportunity during the school year, too. She helps with TOPSoccer, a recreational sports program for children and adults with disabilities.
Someday, she said, she hopes to work at MMI in a part-time role like her older brother.
As a high school sophomore, Sewell has time to decide on a career path. But she isn’t ruling out anything in the medical field, especially involving kids.
“When you walk through these doors, you’re doing something so much bigger,” Sewell said. “This isn’t for you. This is for the kids, the campers. This is a day they look forward to all year. This is their moment of joy and happiness in the summer. You’re bringing them joy while finding joy yourself.”
Jing Wang signed up as a Camp Munroe volunteer about three years ago at the suggestion of her mom, who used to work in the genetics lab.
Now 17, Wang works part-time as a recreation tech. She works summer and winter camps as well as smaller monthly programming.
MMI’s Recreation Therapy Department — especially Camp Munroe — has been a fun place to spend her time.
“It’s interesting and a fun way to dedicate my time volunteering. I’ve honestly really enjoyed it,” she said. “It’s a really welcoming environment.”
Seeing smiles in the pool and while helping campers down the waterslide is always fun. But smiles and laughter are best when they come during an activity campers may not be particularly enthused about, Wang said.
“People don’t see the behind-the-scenes of how we make a camper’s experience the best possible. A lot of work goes on to ensure everyone has a successful day.”
Wang’s experience with MMI also has led her to explore justice issues for the disability community through her debate coaches and judges from school.
The first year that Essi Blazauskas volunteered at Camp Munroe was tough.
It felt overwhelming, the responsibility of both supporting young kids at camp and making sure they have a great time. But at the end of the first week, Blazauskas knew she’d be back for another year.
“I felt so happy at the end of the week. I’ve been going back ever since.”
Blazauskas spent six years as a Camp Munroe volunteer. Three years ago, she took a part-time job at MMI as a recreation tech.
She often works with campers who may need extra support during the day.
As someone who went to summer camps as a kid, Blazauskas knows how important it is to have that experience and make new friends, both at her own camp and at Camp Munroe.
“Kids get to be kids,” she said. “Letting them have the time they need to be kids is such an amazing experience.”
When she isn’t working, Blazauskas is taking special education and elementary education classes at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
After landing her job at MMI, she changed her major from forensic science.
“I was always waiting to be at MMI on Mondays,” she said. “Every moment I go further into my education, I know this is the right place for me.”
Blazauskas said she loves talking about her Camp Munroe experience with peers. She often brings fliers and encourages classmates to volunteer.
“I came into it not sure if I was going to like it. It’s become my second home,” she said. “It allows everyone to have a place to play and a camp experience.”