Student wins scholarship

Bunk beds, cabins and the great outdoors sound like just another week at summer camp, but for SCSU sophomore Andrew Mackey, it's a chance to touch the lives of others.

For the past two summers, Mackey has been employed with Friendship Ventures as a counselor at Camp Friendship, located near Annandale, Minn.

Each year, nearly 3,000 children, teens and adults from 425 communities in Minnesota and other states participate in Friendship Ventures' programs.

As a counselor at Camp Friendship, Mackey was involved with programs developed specifically for persons with mental and physical disabilities.

Special arrangements are made to accommodate each participant's level of ability. Campers with special needs are not denied the typical summer camp experience.

"At Camp Friendship, people are never classified by their disabilities, but as individuals," Mackey said. "What the campers can't do is considered secondary to what they can do."

Mackey received a scholarship this summer for his commitment to Camp Friendship after he was nominated by his superiors for being a positive role model to fellow staff members and for having a direct impact on camp participants.

President and CEO of Friendship Ventures Georgann Ramsey said Mackey has been an extraordinary asset for the team.

"Our staff and volunteers are the single most important factor in the experiences our participants have," Ramsey said. "Andrew's presence, dedication and attitude had a wonderful effect on this year's summer camp program."

Mackey may have received a scholarship for his work, but the real reward for him has been the opportunity to empower others at the camp.

"The camp staff really encourages campers to get out of their comfort zones and find joy through recreation," Mackey said. "It is amazing to see how engaged they become in the activities."

Mackey and other camp staff did face some challenges, like campers who became stubborn in unfamiliar environments.

"Patience is the biggest aspect of working with people with disabilities," Mackey said. "I'm an easy-going guy, but it still takes time to get to know each person and how they react in different situations."

In working at Camp Friendship, Mackey has found there is something that everyone can learn from people with special needs.

"These people don't let their disabilities inhibit them," Mackey said. "Instead, they find their niche, their passion and really live it to the full extent. That is something truly inspiring."

Mackey is working toward a degree in social work and hopes his experience with Camp Friendship will help jumpstart a future career.

"I have a lot of respect for the work that Camp Friendship does," Mackey said, "and I take pride in the fact that I have been a part of that."

For more information on volunteer and donor opportunities at Friendship Ventures, visit www.friendshipventures.org or contact the main office at 1-800-450-8376.