FRUIT COVE, Fla. – Parents looking for something active and meaningful for their high-schoolers this summer may want to consider volunteering at Camp “I Am Special,” an immersive program run by Catholic Charities that pairs teen “buddies” with kids and adults who have special needs.
Organizers say teens can complete all the volunteer hours needed for Florida’s Bright Futures Scholarship, in just one week — but many come back for more because of the connections they make.
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“I’m gonna be honest. I came here for the service hours… but honestly, after my first week, it’s really just about the people you meet,” said Jacob Colon, 16-year-old volunteer.
A camp built for inclusion — with no upper age limit
Camp Director Isaiah Maass said the camp is designed to be a place where people who might not be accepted elsewhere can truly belong.
“Some campers just don’t have a place that they can go. And our camp really prides itself on the fact that we are incredibly inclusive,” Maass said. “Our campers are anywhere from five up, and we have no upper age limit… last week, we had one of our ladies here who turned 80 this year.”
Maass says the mission is personal for him: His sister, who has autism, attends the camp.
Volunteers say they gain patience and perspective
Many teen volunteers admit they were nervous walking in, unsure how they’d support someone with different needs. Lucas Allegretto, 16, said his first week pushed him out of his comfort zone.
“I was really worried and nervous, and I ended up with a camper who was really difficult for me, because I didn’t have a lot of patience,” Lucas said, adding that patience is one of the biggest lessons he’s taken from the camp.
He said the experience helped him see campers as people first.
“That’s what you learn so much from… they’re not just defined by the disabilities,” Lucas said. “You really get to know them for who they are… you become their friend.”
For Summer Berryhill, 15, volunteering is a family tradition — but she still didn’t fully understand what it was like until she experienced it herself.
“It kind of runs in my family… my mom did it when she was a kid,” Summer said. “At first, I didn’t really know. And then I came to one of the talent shows and I was just blown away.”
For parents, trust can be the biggest hurdle
Camp leaders know some parents and caregivers may be hesitant to leave their child with people they don’t know. Michelle Geraci, whose child attends the camp and whose other children have volunteered as buddies, said she understands that fear — because she felt it too.
“They offered a day program… so I thought, well, okay, I’ll do the day,” Geraci said. “And he came home so happy every day… I almost felt guilty taking him home at the end of the day.”
Geraci said what reassured her most was the camp’s structure and training for volunteers — and seeing her child become comfortable in the space.
“Do you see how he was not wanting to be around me? This is his space!” she said.
Campers say the experience is worth it
Campers also encourage newcomers who might be nervous.
“If there’s somebody watching who wants to come to the camp or they’re a little nervous, what would you say to them?” News4Jax asked camper Nick Mueller.
“You got this,” Mueller said, who is excited about playing his guitar later in tonight’s talent show. “This camp is amazing, and we have a lot of fun here.”
How to get involved
High schoolers can still apply to volunteer at Camp “I Am Special” this summer. The camp also offers sessions near the winter holidays. Here is more information about requirements for volunteers and campers.
VOLUNTEERS: ccbjax.org/buddy
CAMPERS: ccbjax.org/camp-i-am-special
CATHOLIC CHARITIES: ccbjax.org
BRIGHT FUTURES: floridabrightfutures.gov