Returning Camp Loyaltown Staff Celebrated at Staff Appreciation Night
The energy from the Recreation (Rec) Hall reverberated across Camp Loyaltown, as staff celebrated at Staff Appreciation Night on August 14.
With the Rec Hall decorated in black, gray, and white balloons and streamers, and everyone in attendance, including over 70 counselors, dressed to the nines, Camp Loyaltown leadership awarded returning counselors and staff members of 2-15 years with medals celebrating their dedication to the campers. It’s a tradition where counselors and staff who work tirelessly daily to create meaningful experiences for campers get to take a break and enjoy a fun evening with friends.
For many counselors who travel from all around the world, the relationships they make at camp with each other, and campers, are so meaningful and special, that they want to come back to the mountains to spend time with their favorite people year after year.
“I choose to come back because this is a really meaningful experience, but it’s also really challenging, especially if it’s your first year,” said Viani Sanchez Hernandez, a counselor from Mexico returning for a second year. “I wanted to be back here to help counselors, people who came here for the first time, to have a good summer, as I did last year with the people who helped me”
When asked what traits are needed to have a successful summer, Miguel Chavez Saenz, a counselor from Mexico returning for his second year, said patience and a strong mindset.
He said his favorite memory at camp was when he was leaving last year, and all his friends went to the camp office to say goodbye. It’s evident the love he felt inspired him to return and continue his positive work of changing lives at camp.
“They are just so nice,” said Paloma Coronado Flores, a counselor from Mexico returning for her second year. “I like to spend time with my friends, and conversations with people from different places is so interesting. My favorite memories here are nights in the dining hall and activities with campers, it’s so interesting. Patience was the first thing I learned here, and to be more empathetic.”
Counselors assist campers by being there for them from the morning to the night, helping them get ready for an active and upbeat day at camp. At camp there is so much to do, from arts & crafts and the adaptive pool, to competing in sports and performing in talent shows. Staff, including counselors, cabin leaders, and program staff, provide campers with a safe, inclusive, and accessible environment so that they can fully express themselves and experience everything camp has to offer. To honor these amazing staff members, camp leadership called them up one by one as fellow staff members cheered them on, celebrating all the hard work that went into creating a successful summer.
“I’m really glad to see everyone here,” said Tevin Gilfillian, the Assistant Director of Camp Loyaltown. “2025 has been a successful summer and I really thank you all for taking the summer to spend it with us. Families really need that respite and they send us a million messages and emails showing gratitude to each of the counselors.”
The evening program began with speeches from camp leadership who thanked each counselor and team member for their dedication to the campers and colleagues.
“I hope that when you think back on your time here, you remember how special you are to people who really need it,” said Steven Switzer, Behavior Intervention Specialist. “I am so proud of all of you and I’m so happy to be a part of the Loyaltown family.”
Among those giving speeches was Luis P. Dalpiva, Training Coordinator, who works alongside Cesar Mendoza Diazleal and Christian D. Moncayo, fellow training coordinators.
“You decided to give parents a break and to put a smile on the camper’s face,” Luis said. “That’s priceless for us and for the families, and I wanted to thank you for that.”
Throughout the evening, additional crucial members of the Camp Loyaltown team were celebrated for their compassion and commitment, including the nursing staff. Julie Bosia, the head of nursing, thanked each nurse, including Georgeann Thompson, who has been providing care at camp for 15 years.
“Georgeann, you’ve been here since the first brick was laid,” Julia said. “You’ll always be the boss when you’re here because you deserve that respect, and we would not make it without you.”
What brings people back to camp year after year is knowing that they’re making a true impact on the lives of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), as well as their families.
Everyone there, including CEO Stanfort Perry, Vice President Sally Burgess, Chief Operations Officer Chris O’Connor, Chief Administrative Officer Barry Donowitz, and AHRC Foundation Director Mary McNamara, shared in the joy and pride, cheering on all those who make camp a remarkable place.
And we appreciate every member of our team who continuously goes above and beyond in helping campers thrive while showing up for one another time and time again.